
Class ^/^'^ .. 
Book Q^ ff''/ 



HISTORY OF aUINCY. 



1^^ 







Vieiv of the Congregational Church in IS21— built in 1732. 



SOME ACCOUNT 



OF THE 



EARLY HISTORY 



PRESENT STATE 



TOWN OF aiTINCY, 



COMMOXrWEAZiTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Bv GEORGE WHITNEl 



^s^,.e-^^. 



Christian Register Office S. B. Manning, Printer. 



O.ITl. 



Tlu folioiinng pages have been piepared solely for ike ime of tin 
iiihabiiunls of Quincy, and In them they arc now dedicated. The 
object of the author has been to throw light on a subject, of ivhich. 
necessarily, very many must have been ignorant ; and, although 
this may not have been effected in tlie best manmr possible, he is 
conscioits of having done it as loell as he could. If the collection 
fihall be found in any degree tiseful, the purpose tvill be answered 



[For the benent of those who may not be acquainted with the subject. 
I have thought fit to give the foUowing extract from the Preface to 
Savage's edition of Wisthrop's Jocr:?al. 

"Before 1752 the year was, by the legal method of computation, held 
to begin on the ^oth March, Lady-day or Annunciation, so called, from 
the notion entertained by the church, that the event recorded in the 
Gospel of Luke, i. 26 — 38 occurred on that day. The general practice 
of England had, indeed, several years earlier conformed to that of the 
rest of Christendom, in making the first of January new-year's day; and 
the law at last followed the popular wisdom, as usual, in the correction. 
It is of more importance, however, to remark, that, in reckoning the 
months, March was called the first, February the twelfth, September, 
October, November, and December then having, consistent with their 
Latin etymology, the numerical rank which is now lost. Yet it is still 
more important to be noticed, that a very dangerous diversity existed, 
in styling the year by its old numerical until the 25th March, or giving 
!t the ne'v designation from the beginning of that month."] 



HISTORY. 



The Town ofQuincy, previously to its being set of!" as a separatt 
town, with the name which it now bears, was for a long time known 
as the North Precinct of the Town of Braintree. At a still earlier 
period it firmed the only important part of that town. It was here 
that the settlement of the place lirst commenced; and, for many years 
before the division, into North, Middle, and South Precincts, it was 
known only by the name of Braintree. Tracing its history still far- 
ther back, we find it bearing the name of Merry and Mare Mount. 
and lastly Mount VVollaston. 

The peculiar situation of the place, and its locality with regard to 
the water, which rendered it a convenient landing place, seem early 
to have attracted the attention of those adventurous spirits, who fol- 
lowed the Pilgrims in their perilous course. In May, 16'2'2, Mr. 
Weston and his company approached near it, in their settlement at 
Wesagusquaset, since called Weymouth. That Weston had at first 
any intention of making his plantation at Mount Wollaston rather 
than at Wesagusquast;t, may be left as a subject of conjecture; bui 
it cannot be determined with certainty. We have proof only that he 
was fir.st at Plymouth, and afterwards planted himself at the place, 
now called Weymouth.* 

In lG2o, Captain Wollaston, with about thirty others, came over 
from F]ngland, and began a plantation, not far from that already be- 
gun by Mr. Weston. To this they gave the name of Mount Wollas- 
ton, from a neighl)oring hill,t and in honor of their leader. Josselyn 
says, J" This is in the Massachusetts fields where Chicatabat, the 
greatest Sagamore of the country, lived before the Plague." Ac- 
cording to Hutchinson,^ the |)lace " was known by the name of Mount 
Wollaston some years after; but at length the name was lost in thai 
of Braintree, of which Town it is a part." Prince, in his Chronolo- 
gy, speaks thus of the Captain's coming: j|" This year (16''25), comes 
over Captain Wollaston with three or four more of some eminence, 
and a great many servants, provisions, &.c. to begin a plantation. — 
They pitch on a place in the Massachusetts Bay, since named Braiu- 

* Neal says, this is the most ancient town in the Province of Massachusetts, Vol. 
II. pp. 591. 

t This Hill is in the Mount Wollaston Farm — now in the possession of the Hon. 
.iohn Quiucy Adams, President of the United States. It is called Mount Wollaston 
to this day. 

f Accoimt of two Voyages to New England, by John Josselyn, p. 159 

§ Hutchinson's History, Vol. I. p. 7. 

i| Prince's Npw England Chionology, Vol. T.p. 152 



tree, on the northerly mountainous part thereof, which they call Mounr 
Wollaston: among whom is one Thomas Morton, who had been ii 
idnd of petty-fogger at Furnival's Inn." — This man became an im- 
,)ortant character in the early days of New England; and mention 
will hereafter be made of him somewhat at length. 

Earlier, therefore, than the year 1625, there was probably no set- 
tlement of civilized men in these parts nearer than Weymouth; at 
least we have no account of any. Morton, no doubt, Ccime with a 
patent; but Wollaston had none. Nor is it likely that he made an\ 
purchase of lands from the Indians, but came in a friendly manner, 
md settled among them. 

The fate of the two plantations at Wesagusquaset and Mount Wol- 
laston seems to have been similar, though from somewhat different 
causes. Neither continued a very long time. The colony at Wes- 
agusquaset *" came to an end after one year's continuance." That 
at Mount Wollaston was reduced exceedingly low, if it was not ea- 
lirely broken up, after the execution of the order of the Court of As- 
sistants against Thomas Morton. But Weston and Wollaston, the 
Uvo leading men in these settlements, were quite different in theii 
characters. Weston was wanting in firmness and intrepidity. Wol- 
laston was bold, decided and persevering. Both, to be sure, left 
their plantations, soon after they had established them; but Weston 
deserted his rather from caprice than from any good cause for leav- 
ing. Wollaston left his colony at the Mount, because, as Hubbard 
says, " after spending much labor, cost and time in planting," things 
did not answer his expectation. In Wollaston's company, there were 
men of eminence; but Weston is not mentioned as having any who 
were distinguished. After Wollaston's departure, through Morton's 
excessive kindness to the Indians, the plantation became a source ol" 
trouble to the other settlements. When Weston had left his men, 
they became disorderly, riotous and lazy, so that they were objects of 
scorn to the Indians. Neal, in a humorous manner, speaks thus of 
them: "f" They lived too fast for men that were to begin the world 
with a little: when they had bartered away all their goods for Indian 
corn, they sold their clothes and bedding. Some of them became 
servants to the Indians, and would cut their wood and draw their 
water for a cap full of corn. The major part turned robbers: but 
all was too little to supply their wants: some died with hunger; one, 
as he was gathering shell-fish, stuck fast in the nuid, and, being so 
weak as not to be able to get out, perished in the place. The rest 
left their dwellings, and lived up and down in the woods, upon 
ground-nuts and clams, whereby they became the scorn of the In- 
dians." 

Thus both plantations lost all claim to the character they might 
and ought to have sustained. However the leaders might have dif- 
fered, we have but little reason to be proud of the peaceful and hon- 
orable conduct of those connected with them; — for without doubt 
Morton deserved as much censure for the trouble he caused the ear- 
ly men of New-England, as did the followers of Weston for their 
disgraceful conduct and the example they left behind them. 

' See Hutchinson, Vol. I. p. 6. 

+ Spp N'^al'f History of New England. Vol. I. p. Pi. 



It has been said, that VVollaston soon lett his colonv at ihv niouiit. 
This was an untoitunate circumstance, both ibr tlie w(>lt'iire ot" tht 
plantation, and for the peace and quiet of the other sc-ttit^nients. — 
Had Capt. Woliaston remained with his company, insteatl of with- 
drawing from them to Virginia, we have every reason to believe, not 
only that they wiio remained would have been spared the diniculties 
in which 3Iorton afterwards involved them, but that the plaie would 
even earlier have become a town. Wollaston possessed every qual- 
ification necessary for becoming a leader in such an undertaking, and 
there were those connected with him who might well have served 
his cause, instead of proving, as did some of them a,t least, the au- 
thors of mischief and disturbance. 

There is no account of the precise time when Wollaston withdrew 
to Virginia. From a note in Prince's Chronology I copy these 
words: *" It seems most likely that he tried the crop of this Summer, 
(1626); and the Autumn is the usual time for the New-England fish- 
ing ships to go to Virginia." Hence Prince would lead us )o infer 
that he left in the Autumn of 1626. It seems, at lea.st, singular thai 
he should have given up all hopes of having his expectations of (Ik 
place gratified — only from the experience of one year's crop. 

At any rate, Wollaston left his colony in its infancy, and went to 
Virginia. Ample testimony is given by the early historians to this 
fact. It is sulFicient to appeal to Prince on the point, f" Captain 
Wollaston having continued at mount Wollaston some time, and find- 
ing things not answer his expectation, he carries a great pari of the 
servants to Virginia, writes back to Mr. Rasdall, one of his chief part- 
ners, to carry another part, and appoints Mr. Fitcher his Lieutenant 
till he or Rasdall returns. But Rasdall being gone, Morton excites 
the rest to turn away Fitcher to seek his bread among hi.-^ neighbors, 
till ho can get a pass to England. After this they fall to great licen- 
tiousness and profaneness." 

Nothing is now known of the state of things at the mouni, directly 
after the departure of Captain VVollaston; nor until the time when 
Morton gained his ascendency, and began that course of conduci 
which ended in the ruin of the plantation. It is probable that even 
this was brought about pretty soon. 

Thomas Morton was one of the company which came over with 
Capt. Wollaston. He appears to have acted no conspicuous part be- 
fore the departure of Capt. Wollaston and Rasdall to Virginia. — 
Rasdall, as it seems, was let^t with the command of the mount by 
Capt. Wollaston, and being afterwards sent for by him, a man by the 
name of Filcher (or Fitcher,) was appointed his Lieutenant. Ry 
this we may judge that there were others in whom more confidence 
could be placed than in Morton. From all we can learn respecting 
his character, he was a man of considerable talents, but artful, dis- 
honest, and fond of confusion and disorder. He contrived to make 
himself beloved by the Indians, but was despised and slighted even 
by the meanest servants in the plantation. The following mention 

* See Vol. I. p. 162, note. 
t See Vol.1, p. 162. 



H) 

IS made ofhini in the New-England's Memorial. *" But the atore- 
said Morton, having more craft than honesty, having been a petty- 
foggerat Furnival's Inn, he in the others' absence watches an oppor- 
tunity, commons being but hard among them, and got some strong 
drink, and other junkets, and made them a feast, and after they were 
merry, he began to tell them he would give them good counsel: You 
see, said he, that many of your fellows are carried to Virginia, and 
if you stay still until Rasdall's return, you will also be carried away 
and sold for slaves with the rest: therefore, I would advise you to 
thrust out this Lieutenant Filcher, and I, having a part in the Planta- 
tion, will receive you as my partners and consociates, so you may be 
free from service, and we will converse, plant, trade and live together 
as equals, or to the like effect. This counsel was easily followed, 
&c." 

" After this they fell to great licentiousness of life in all profane- 
ness; and the same Morton became Lord of misrule, and maintained 
as it were a school of atheism, and after they had got some goods 
into their hands, and got much by trading with the Indians, they 
spent it as vainly in quaffing and drinking both wine and strong 
liquors in great excess, as some have reported, ten pounds in a morn- 
ing, setting up a may-pole, drinking and dancing about it like so 
many fairies, or furies, rather; yea, and worse practices, as if (hey had 
anew revived and celebrated the feast of the Roman's goddess Flo- 
ra, or the beastly practices of the mad Bacchanalians. The said 
Morton, likewise, to show his poetry, composed sundry rhymes and 
verses, ***** to the detraction and scan- 
dall of some persons' names which he affixed to his Idle or Idol, may- 
pole. They changed also the name of their place, and instead of 
calling it Mount Wollaston, they called it the Merry Mount, as if 
this jollity would have lasted always. But this continued not long, 
for shortly after that worthy gentleman, Mr. John Endicott, brought 
over a patent under the broad seal of England for the government of 
the Massachusetts, visiting these parts, caused that may-pole to be 
cut down, and rebuked them for their profaneness, and admonished 
them to look to it that they walked better; so the place was again 
changed, and called Mount Dagon."t 

By what means Morton contrived to become so great a favorite 
with the Indians, will appear from the following extract from the same 
New-England's Memorial. J " And first he taught the Indians how 
to use the pieces, to charge and discharge them, and what propor- 
tion of powder to give the piece, according to the size or bigness of 
the same, and what shot to use for fowl, and what for deer, and, hav- 
ing instructed them, he employed some of them to hunt and fowl for 
him; so as they became somewhat more active in this employment 

* See New England's Memorial, p. 136. This book was wriUen by Nathaniel 
Morton, along time Secretary to the Court for the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. It 
has lately been re-published by the Hon. John Davis, and its value is exceedingly 
enhanced by the interesting and important notes of this learned gentleman. 

t Though this name was then given to the Merry Mount, it does not appear that it 
was ever after called so. Thomas Morton also, in his New Canaan, calls it Passa- 
nogessit, as will hereafter be seen — but it was not generally known even by that 
name. 

t New England Memorial, p. 138. 



11 

than -any ot the English. * * * ^ and when they 

saw the execution that a piece would do, and the benefit that might 
come by the same, * # * * tj^gy accounted their 
bows and arrows but baubles in comparison of them." 

From these extracts we may learn something of Morton's general 
conduct after the departure of Captain Woliaston and Rasdall. Af- 
terwards he was sent to England by the authorities of the Massachu- 
setts; but, as Nathaniel Morton says, *" he returned again into the 
Country in some short time, with less punishment than his demerits 
deserved, as was apprehended." 

He was afterwards again apprehended and sent to England, where, 
according to the same author, above referred to, f he lay a consid- 
erable time in Exeter gaol; for, beside his miscarriage here in New- 
England, he was suspected of having murdered a man that had ven- 
tured monies with him when he first came into New-England." His 
first arrest was probably in the Spring, or early in the Summer of 
1628. In August, 1629, he returned. In about September, 1631, 
he was again sent to England. J While in England, in 1632, he 
published a book called the New English Canaan.^ This, as one 
has said, |j " is full of invective and misrepresentation. He abounds 
in the vulgar wit of nick-names. Captain Standish he calls Captain 
Shrimp. Endicott is styled Captain Littleworth. Mr. Fuller is Dr. 
Noddy. It is not known, nor will it be worth while to inquire, who 
are intended by the appellations of Innocence Faircloth, Matthias 
Charter Party, and Master Bubble." The names given will assist in 
affording interest to the reader of the book. 

I have thought it would be proper to let Morton speak for himself, 
on the subject of changing the name to ITMare Mount, as he terms it. 
What he says, will, at least, be found curious, and each one will 
give the narration as much credit, as from the character of the au- 
thor, he may think it deserves. 

" The Inhabitants of Pasonagessit (having translated the name of 
their habitation from that ancient salvage name to Ma-re-Mount, and 

* New England Memorial, p. 140. 

tPage 140. 

X He was sent over last in a ship called the - Whale.' In allusion to which, he 
says, in his book, " ihey cast their Jonah ashore." 

§ This book is now very rarely to be met with. I believe I am safe in saying 
that there are but two copies in this country. One was, some time ago, in the pos- 
session of .John Quincy Adams. The other was lately presented to the Adams Li- 
brary of the Town of Quincy, by the Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris. 

II See note to New-England Memorial, p. 142. 

IT Morton declares that Merry Mount is a " blundering acceptation" ofMa-re- 
Mount,which last name he uses throughout his singular book. With respect to this, 
some have indeed coincided with Morton, and considered Ma-re-Mount the proper 
name. Those who hold to the name " Mare," are divided into two classes. One 
being composed of those who say that Mare Mount is derived from the Latin words 
Mare, the sea, and Mons, a Mount, or mountain — because the Hill was seen at a 
great distance off in the sea. This class translate one of the Latin terms, and pre- 
serve the other — Ma-re-Mount. The other class change only the last letter of the 
two Latin words — making it Ma-re-Mont — and consider this term as one of peculiar 
beauty, referring it to the circumstance that the Hill is washed at its foot by the sea. 
Whatever name Thomas Morton may have given it, we are at least certain of this, 
that the inhabitants were exceedingly merry — and that the early historians univer- 
sally consider the proper name to be Meiry Mount — derived from this circumstance. 



J '2 

being resolved to iiave tlie new nfiuie confirmed tor a iiiexnorial to 
after ages,) did devise amongst themselves to have it performed in a 
solemne manner with Revels and merriment after the old English cus- 
tome, prepared to sett up a May-pole upon the festival! day of Philip 
and Jacob; and therefore brewed a barrel of excellent beare, and 
provided a case of bottles to be spent, with other good cheer, for all 
comers of that day. And because they would have it in a complete 
form, they had prepared a song fitting the time and present occasion. 
And upon May-day they brought the May-pole* to the place appoint- 
ed, with drumes, gunnes, pistols, and other fitting instruments, for 
that purpose; and there erected it with the help of Salvages, that 
came thether of purpose to see the manner of our Revels. A goodly 
pine tree of eighty foote longe was reared up, with a peare oi buck- 
shorns nay led one somewhat neare to the top of it; where it stood 
us a faire sea niarke for directions how to finde out the way to minet 
liost of Ma-re-Mount. 

"And because it should more fully appeare to what end it was plac- 
ed there, they had a jPoem in readiness made, which was fixed to 
the May-pole, to shew the new name confirmed on that Plantation; 
which (although it were made according to tlie occurrent of the time, 
it !)eing Enigmatically composed), puzzelled the Seperatists most 
pitefully to expound it, which for the better information of the reader 
I have here inserted. 

THE POEM. 

Rise, CEdipeus, and if thou canst unfold 

AVhat means Canbdis underneath the mould. 

When Scilla Sollitaiy on the ground, 

(Sitting in form of Niobe,) was found ; 

Till Ainphitrites Darling did acquaint 

Grim Neptune with the tenor of her plaint, 

And caus'd him send forth Triton with the sountl 

Of Trumpet loud at which the Seas were found 

So full of Protean formes, that the bold shore 

Presented Scilla a newparramore. 

So stronge as Sampson and so patient, ^ The man who brought 

As Job himselfe, directed thus by fate >her over was named 

To comfort Scilla so unfortunate. j Sampson Job. 

I doe professe by Cupid's beautious Mother 

Here's Scogan's choice for Scilla, and none other ; 

Though Scilla's sick with greife, because no signe 

Can there be found of vertue masculine. 

Esculapius come, I know right well ; • 

His laboure's lost when you may ring her knell. 

The fatall sister's doome none can withstand. 

Nor Pitharea's powre who poynts to land. 

With proclamation that the first of May 

At Ma-re-Mount shall be kept holly day. 

" The setting up of this May-pole was a lamentable spectacle to the 
precise Separatists, that lived at New Plymouth. They termed it an 
JdoU; yea, they called it the Calfe of Horeb; and stood at defiance 

* Prince says, this is the only May-pole ever raised in New-England. 
t By the term " mine host," is of course to be understood Morton himself. The 
party, who afterwards arrested him, he calls the " nine worthies of New Canaan." 
t This Poem and the song which follows, must be ascribed to Morton. 



with the place, naming it Mount Dagon; threat-ening to make it a 
woefull Mount and not a Merry Mount. 

" The Riddle for want of (Edipus they could not expound, ouely 
they made some explication of part of it, and say'd it was meant by 
Sampson Job, the Carpenter of the shipp that brought over a woman 
to her husband, that had bin there long before, and thrived so well 
that hee sent for her and her children to come to him; where shortly 
after hee died; having no reason but because of the sound of those 
two words; when (as the truth is,) the man they applyed it to was 
altogether unknown to the author. 

" There was likewise a merry song made, which, (to make theit 
Revells more fashionable,) was sung with a Corns, every man bcar- 
uig his j>rirt; which they performed in a daunce, hand in hand, about 
the May-pole, whiles one of the company sung, and tilled out the 
good liquor like Ganymedes and Jupiter. 

THE SONGE. 

Drinke and be merry merry, merry boyes — 
Let all your delight be in Hymen's joyes — 

Joy to Hymen now the d;iy is come, 

About the merry may-pole take a roome. 

Make greene garlons, bring bottles out. 

And fill sweet nectar freely about. 

Uncover thy head, and feare no harme, 
Tor here's good liquor to keepe it warme. 
Then drink and be nurrv. {>-<• 
Joy to Hymen, &c. 

Nectar is a thing assigned 

By tlie Deities owne mind — 

To cure the heart oppress'! with grcil>'. 

And ot'good liquors is the cheife — 

Then drinke, &c. 

Joy to Hymen, Sic. 

Give to the melancolly man 

A cup or two oPt now and then ; 

This physick will scone revive his blood. 

And make him be of a merrier moode— 

Then drinke, &e. 

Joy to Hymen, &c. 

Give to the Nymphe that's I'ree from scorn. 
No Irisch stuff, nor Scotch over-worne-? 
Lasses in beaver-coats come away, 
Yee shall be welcome to us all the day — 

To drinke, &c. 

Joy to Hymen, &c. 

'' This harmless mirth made by younge men (that lived in hope to 
have wifes brought over to them that would save them a labore to 
make a voyage to fetch any over,) was much distasted of the precise 
Seperatists, that keepe much adoe about the tyth of mint and cum- 
min, troubling their braines more than reason would require about 
things that are indifferent; and from that time sought occasion 
against my honest Host of Ma-re-Mount to overthrow his ondertak- 
ings and to destroy his Plantation quite and cleane."* 

* See New English Canaan, from p. 132 to 136. 



14 

it cannot but be remarked how very plausible Morton makes hi^ 
conduct appear; — but not so, precisely, did it appear to our scrupu- 
lous but worthy forefathers. No excuse, perhaps, will be necessa- 
ry for farther extracts from his singular book. 

" The Seperatists, envying the prosperity and hope of the Planta^ 
tion at Ma-re-Mount, (which they perceaved beganne to come for- 
ward, and to be in a good way for gaine in the Beaver trade), con- 
spired together against mine host, especially, (who was the owner of 
that Plantation), and made up a party against him; and mustered up 
what aide they could; accounting of him as a great monster. 

*' Many threatening speeches were given out, both against his per- 
son and his habitation, which they divulged should be consumed with 
fire; — and taking advantage of the time when his company, (which 
seemed little to regard theire threats), were gone up into the inlands 
to trade with the Salvages for Beavers. — They set upon my honest 
Host at a place called Wessaguscus,* where, (by accident,) they 
found him. The Inhabitants there were in good hope of the subver- 
sion of the Plantation at Ma-re-Mount, which they principally aymed 
at, and the rather, because mine host was a man that indeavoured to 
advance the dignity of the Church of England, which they, (on the 
contrary part,) would labour to vilifie with uncivile termes; enveying 
against the sacred book of Common Prayer, and mine host, that used 

it in a laudible manner amongst his family as a practice of piety."! 

* * * * 

" In breife, mine host must indure to be their prisoner untill they 
could contrive it so that they might send him for England, (as they 
said), there to suffer according to the merit of the fact which they 
intended to father upon him; supposing (belike), it would prove a 
hainous crime. 

" Much rejoicing was made that they had gotten their cappitall 
enemy, (as they concluded him,) whome they purposed to hamper 
in such sort, that hee should not be able to uphold his Plantation at 
Ma-re-Mount. 

" The conspirators sported themselves at my honest host that 
meant them no hurt, and were so joccund that they feasted their 
bodies and fell to tippeling, as if they had obtained a great prize; 
like the Trojans, Avhen they had the custody of Hippeus' pine-tree 
horse. 

" Mine host fained greefe; and could not be persuaded either to 
eate or drinke; because he knew emptiness would be a mcanes to 
make him as watchfull as the Geese, kept in the Roman Cappitall; 
whereon the contrary part, the conspirators would be so drowsy 
that hee might have an opportunity to give them a slip insteade of a 
tester. Six persons of the conspiracy were set to watch him at Wes- 
saguscus. But hee kept waking, and in the dead of night, (one ly- 
ing on the bed for further suerty,) up gets mine host, and got to the 
second dore that hee was to passe, which, (notwithstanding the lock,) 

* The historians, in speaking of Morton's arrest, say nothing of his being taken 
first at Weymouth. It may have been so, however, and have been passed over in 
silence. 

I New English Canaan, p. 137. 



lo 

hee got open; and shut it after him with such violence, that it al- 
frighted some of the conspirators. 

" The word which was given with an alarme was, O he's gon, 
he's gon, what shall we doe, he's gon. The rest half asleep start 
up in a maze, and like rames ran theire heads one at another full butt 
in the darke. 

"• Their grand leader, Oapt. Shrimp, tooke on most furiously, and 
tore his clothes for anger, to see the empty nest and their bird gone. 
* * * * 

" In the mean time, mine host was got home to Ma-re-Mount 
through the woods, eight miles round about the head of the river 
*Monatoquit, that parted the two Plantations — finding his way by 
the helpe of the lightening, (for it thundred, as he went, terribly,) 
and there he prepared powther, three pou;ids dried for his present 
imployement, and four good gunnes for him, and the two assistants 
left at his howse with bullets of several sizes, three hundred or there- 
abouts, to be used if the conspirators should pursue him thether; and 
these two persons promised their aides in the quarrell, and confirmed 

that promise with a health in good rosa solis. 

« # * * 

" After holding a Councell," continues Morton, " Capt. Shrimp 
takes eight persons more to him; — and like the nine worthies of New 
Canaan, they imbarque with preparation against Ma-re-Mount, where 
this monster of a man, (as their phrase was,) had his denne — the 
whole number, (had the rest not bin from home,) being but seaven, 
would have given Capt. Shrimp, (a quondam Drummer,) such a well- 
come as would have made him wish for a Drume as bigg as Dioge- 
nes' tubb, that hee might have crept into it out of sight. 

'' Now the nine worthies are approached and mine host prepared; 
having intelligence by a Salvage that hastened in love from Wessa- 
guscus to give him notice of their intent. 

* >■ * * ^- 

'' The nine worthies coming before the Denne of this supposed 
monster, (this seaven headed hydra as they termed him,) began like 
Don Qui.vote agamst the wind-mill, to beate a parly and to offer 
quarter, (if mine host would yeald,) for they resolved to send him for 
England, and bad him lay by his armes. 

* * * i;- # 

," But mine host had no sooner set open the door, and issued out, 
but instantly Capt. Shrimpe and the rest of the worthies stepped to 
him, lay'd hold of his armes; and had him downe, and so eagerly 
was every man bent against him, (not regarding any agreement made 
with such a car nail man,) that they fell upon him as if they would 
have eaten him. 

" Captain Shrimpe and the rest of the nine worthies made them- 
selves, (by this outragious riot,) masters of mine host, of Ma-re- 
Mount, and disposed of what he had at his Plantation."! 

* This river is in Braintree, and is one of considerable importance. The name 
was probably given by the Indians. In the old records of the first Church, that part 
of the town which was afterwards known as the Middle Precinct, is often spoken of 
under the name of Monatoquit. 

t Npw English Tannan, up. ISfl— 142. 



In the same English Canaan, Morton goes on to say, that "-they 
passed sentence that mine host should be sent to England, but," as 
he says, " when he was brought to the shipp for that purpose, no 
man durst be so foole hardy as to undertake to carry him. So these 
worthies set mine host upon an island, without gunne, povvther, or 
shot, or dogge, or so much as a knife to get anything to feede upon; 
or any other cloathes to shelter him with at winter than a thinne 
suite which he had one at that time. Home hee could not get to 
Ma-re-Mount. Upon this island he stayed a moneth at least — and 
was receved by Salvages that took notice that mine host was a Sach- 
em, of Passanogessit, and would bring bottles of strong liquor to him, 
and unite themselves into a league of brotherhood with mine host, 
so full of humanity are these infidels before those Christians." 

" From this place for England, sailed mine host in a Plimmoth 

shipp, (that came into the land to fish upon the coast;") 

" and he stayed in England until the ordinary time for shipping, to 
set forth for these parts, and then returned. Noe man being able to 
taxe him of any thinge."* 

Morton has recorded a Poem called Baccanall Triumphe, to the 
derision of the Seperatists, on account of their discontent at his return, 
beginning thus: 

" I sing tlie adventures of nine worthy wights. 
And pity 'tis 1 cannot call them Knights."' 

But it is rather enigmatical, ind would hardly be found interesting 
by any reader. 

Afterwards, following his account, j" a Court is called of purpose 
for mine host;-^he there con vented; and must heare his doom before 
he goe; nor will they admit him to capitulate, and know wherefore 
they are so violent to put such things in practice against a man they 
never saw before; nor will they allow of it though he decline their 
jurisdiction." 

" There they all, with one assent, put him to silence, crying out, 
heare the Governor, heare the Governor — who gave his sentence 
against mine host at first sight, that hee should be first put in the 
Bilbowes, his goods should be all confiscated; his Plantation should 
be burned cleane to the ground, because the habitation of the wick- 
ed should no more appeare in Israeli; and his person banished from 
these territories, and this put in execution with all speede." 
* # * * 

l'^ The smoake that did ascend appeared to be the very sacrifice of 
Kain. Mine host, (that a farre of abourd a shipp did there behold 
this wofuU spectacle,) knew not what he should doe in this extremity; 
but bear and forbeare, as Epictetus sayes; — it was booteless to ex- 
claime. 

§" The Seperatists, after they had burned Mare-Mount, they could 
not get any shipp to undertake the Carriage of mine host from thence 
either by faire meanes or fowle." 

" At last, however," he says, '* one was found who took him off." 
This man he calls "Mr. Wethercock, a proper mariner." ||" Hee 

* New English rannnn, p. 144. t Page 163. tp. 164. ^p. 180. || p. 182, 



n 

hoyst the sayles and put to sea; since which mine hdst has not trou- 
bled the brethren." 

Such is the account, given in the New English Canaan, of tho 
formal change of the name of Mount Wollaston to Mare-Mount, and 
of the arrest of mine host and his subsequent fate. In the main, the 
statements are true; that is, they agree with what we find in other 
histories of good authority. Thus his arrest, as he has recorded it. 
agrees well enough with the same as given by Prince, the best au- 
thority. 

" Upon this they see no way but force, and therefore obtain of the 
Plimouth Governor to send Capt. Standish with some aid to take 
him. The Captain coming, Morton ^ ^ ■* *: 

bars his doors, sets his powder and bullets on the table ready. The 
Captain summons him to yield, but has only scoffs, &c. At length, 
Morton fearing we should do some violence to the house, he and 
some of his crew came out to shoot the Captain. At which the Cap- 
tain steps up to him, puts by his piece, takes him, enters the house, 
disperses* the worst of the company, leaves the more modest there, 
brings 3Iorton to Plimouth, where he is kept till a ship going from 
the Isle of Shoals to England. He is sent in her to the New Eng- 
land council, with a messenger and letters to inform against him, and 
yet they do nothmg to him, not so much as to rebuke him, and he 
returns next year."! 

Princet has recorded the following public notice, taken of him, 
Sept. 7, 1630. 

" Second Court of Assistants, held at Charlestown. Present, Gov- 
ernor Winthrop, Deputy Governor Dudley, Sir Richard Salton- 
stall, Mr. Johnson, Endicott, Sharp, Nowell, Coddington, Ludlow, 
Rossiter, Pynchon, Bradstreet. Ordered that Thomas Morton, of 
Mount Wollaston, shall presently be set in the Bilbowes, and after 
.sent prisoner to England by the ship called the Gift, now returning 
thither; that all his goods shall be seized to defray the charge of his 
transportation, payment of his debts, and to give satisfaction to the 
Indians for a Canoe he took unjustly from them; and that his house 
be burnt down to the ground in sight olthe Indians, for their satis- 
faction for many wrongs he has done them."§ 

This was put in execution; and, while in England, he joined with 
others in a complaint to the King against the colony, and proved, 
also, in this way, not a little troublesome to the early settlers. An 
order was, by his means, issued from the King in 1633, to prevent 
all further emigration to this Country, but it did not continue long in 
force. 

* There is a tradition, that, at the time of this arrest of Morton, one Gardiner, who 
had been engaged with him in his hostile conduct to the other settlements, fearing 
their vengeance, fled into the woods, and there got bewildered in a swamp, and 
died ; from which circumstance the swamp has been called Gardiner's Swamp to 
this day. 

t Prince's Chronology, Vol'. I. p. 177. 

t Vol.1, p. 248. 

§ This was, no doubt, somewhat in anser against Morton. His general conducf 
•owards the Indians was far from being of this nature 



]H 

In Goverjior Bradford's Letter Book*- is recorded the Assessment 
of the expenses of his first arrest, in 1628; which, besides that it 
gives a view of the comparative strength of the different settlements 
at that period, will also be found an interesting record, from its con- 
nexion with the character to whom it refers: — 

/. s. 
From Plymouth, 2 10 

'* Naumkeak, (Salem,) 1 10 

" Piscataquack, (Mason's Company,) 2 10 
'' Mr. Jeffrey and Mr. Buslem, 2 00 

'' Natascot, 1 10 

" Mrs. Thompson (Squantum Neck,) 15 
" Mr. Blackston, (Boston,) 12 

" Edward Hilton, of Dover, 1 00 



/. 12 7 

It may be well supposed that this was a severe tax on the good 
people of New England, for those days of poverty; but even this was 
not all the expense into which they were led. " It cost us," says 
Gov. Bradford,! " a great deal more, and yet to little effect as the 
event showeth." 

After being first sent to England, he returned in 1629, "and 
went," as Gov. Bradford says, " to his old nest at Merry Mount." — 
There he renewed his evil conduct, and became once more the sub- 
ject of public odium. 

When again sent to England, in 16.r>4, besides his book before 
published, he wrote a letter to one Jeffries, in New-England, which 
was perfectly in character with him. In it, he says, " Of these things 
I thought good, by so convenient a messenger, to give you notice, 
lest you should think I died in obscurity, as the brethren vainly in- 
tended I should." For this, and for his book, when he returned to 
New-England again, as he did in 1643, he was fined by the Court 
100/. He was poor, and could not pay it. Hutchinson J remarks, 
that " nothing but his age saved him from the whipping-post. He 
went to Acamenticus, and there died a year or two after." Morton, 
in his Memorial, says, ||" After being grown old in wickedness, he, at 
last, ended his days at Piscataqua." Probably this was the same 
place under a different name. 

Thus lived, and thus died, Thomas Morton. § For the welfare of 
the plantation here, and for the comfort and quiet of the other set- 
tlements, it might be wished, that he had never come over from 
England. 

There is no account to be found of the latter part of the life of 
Wollaston. If was a remark of President Adams, senior, that he 
was lost at sea. Whether this was gained from tradition or history, 
is uncertain. 

* See Gov. Bradford's Letter B. in Col. Hist. Soc. III. 63. 

t Historical Collection, III. 64. 

J See Hist. Vol I. p. 32, note. ||N. E. Mem. p. 141. 

§ It was always the opinion of President Adams, senior, tliat Morton Tvas support- 
ed in his conduct here, by Archbishop Laud, of noted memory ; and that it was his 
object to destroy here, as everywhere else, even the shadow of religious liberty 



19 

After this, the settlement was quite reduced. _ It is supposed, i'ron\ 
the language of the historians, that a few were left here; whence we 
lay claim to the oldest permanent settlement* in the Massachusetts. 

In a short time. Mount Wollaston was made a part ol' lit)ston. 
though still distinguished by the name of the Mount; and difterent 
portions of land were allotted to different tgeutlemen, who came out 
and established themselves as farmers, so tiiat here were the earli- 
est cultivated farms in New-England. HancockJ savs, " that tht 
lands were granted to Boston by the General Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, in 1634, and that the settlement was soon carried on bv 
sundry inhabitants, who came out, chiefly from Boston, and had 
^^rants of land from that town, for their encouragement." " The 
ivords of the grant in the public records of the province, run thus: 
''At a Generall Court, held at Newton, Sept. 3, 1634, it is ordered, 
that Boston shall have enlargement at Mount Wollaston, and Rum- 
ney Marsh. The bounds were settled April 13, 1636."' 

In the records of the Town of Boston, I find mention made of sev- 
ral of these first grants of land, and also other records, which niav 
not be found uninteresting. 

§" 13th '2d mo., 1635. At a generall meeting upon pnblique no- 
tice, imprimis, it is agreed by generall consent, that our Pastor, Mr. 
liJohn VV'ilson, shall have libertie to improve what ground may be for 
him at Mount Woolistone, with free reserving unto him his grant ai 
Mystick, until his coming home for further agreement with (he in- 
habitants." 

The lands this gentleman improved lay on what is called the 
Farms. II The Quincy farm was among the earliest grants, as will 
appear from what follows. 

" 14th, 10th mo., 1635. **At a generall meeting upon publique 
notice, imprimis, it is agreed by generall consent, that Mr. William 
Colborne, Mr. William Aspynwall, Mr. John Sampford, William 
Balstone, and Richard Wright, shall, in the behalfe of the town, go 
and take view at Mount Woolistone, and bound out there, what may 

'Mr. Savage, in his valuable notes to Winthrop's Journal, Vol. I. p. 43, is inclined 
to believe that Quincy is the oldest permanent settlement in the Massachusetts Col- 
onj'. Weymouth alone can dispute the claim, and there is but little reason to be- 
lieve that any of Weston's company remained there, when the settlement was made 
from Weymouth, in England. It is to be remembered that Plymouth was a separate 
Colony. 

jit may appear surprising, why, at this early period, such a disposition existed for 
the formation of a settlement in Braintree. The simple state of the case is, that the 
land was all cleared up, and therefore, on this account, was more convenient. Thf- 
residence of Chickatabat, in these parts, was the reason of its early cultivation. 

X Hancock's Century Sermon, p. 21, and note. 

§ Records of City of Boston, Vol. I. p. 5. 

II Mr. John Wilson was the first minister in Boston, settled over the First Church 
and Society, now known as the Chauncey Place Church. 

IT There is a tradition, that either Mr. Wilson, or some of his descendants, owned 
the place now owned by Mr. Edmund Billings, Ft was long known as thf Wilson 
Place. 

** Rpc. City Boston. Vol. I. p. 4. 



bee suriicieni tor William Coddington* and Edmund Qumsey,t to 
have for their particular farmes there; alnd, accordingly, as they five 
or foure of them shall agree upon to stand, and the same to be enter- 
ed in this booke." 

Then is recorded a vote, to this effect: J" Item, it is agreed, that 
all the allottments at Mount Woolystone shall be set out by Mr. 
Coddington, William Collborne, William Aspynwall, Edmund Quin- 
sey, and Richard Wright, or some foure of them; and that every 
allottment shall have a convenient proportion of Meadowe thereunto, 
according to their number of Cattell that have the same. 4th 1 1th 
mo. 1635." 

Even after the formation of the Church, and the incorporation of 
the town, the former in 1639, and the latter in 1640, grants were 
still made. Thus, §" 27th 7th mo., 1641. There is granted unto 
Job Judkin, to have a great lot for five heads, at Mount Wollaston, 
at Braintry." And on the |124th 12th mo., 1639, "To Peter Brack- 
ctt, of Braintry, for twelve heade, 48 acres." This last, I suppose, 
though granted before the preceding, was not recorded till after the 
place was incorporated as the town of Braintree. 

About the year 1642, Boston resigned all title to lands in Braintree, 
except certain portions reserved for Commons, as appears by this 
vote: IT" 4th 1st mo., 1642. At a generall Towne's meeting, upon 
lawfuU warning, It's ordered, that the residue of the Towne's lands, 
not yet disposed of, excepting those that are lay'd out for Commons 
at Boston, Braintry and Muddy river, shall be devided amongst the 
present Inhabitants, together with such as shall be admitted within 
two months now next following; and that, in this manner, viz. a 
greater proportion to them that have had lesse than their due, and 
the lesse to them that have had more, and proportionable to them 
that have had none, and this is to be done by the select-men, chosen 
for the Towne's business." 

By the following vote, it would seem, that a parcel of land, esti- 
mated at forty acres, had been allotted to two gentlemen, and that 
the lot was afterwards found to contain more. One would have sup- 
posed, that, though bread and money were not abundant, yet that 
land was of so little value that this scrupulous exactness might have 
been spared. ** " There is liberty granted Goodman Basse and 
Goodman Baxter, to buy the overplus that remaineth in the three 
hill Marish, (marsh,) at Braintry, above their forty acres." 

Two years after the preceding, we find that some of the common, 
land in Braintree, belonging to Boston, was sold for the benefit of 
the clergyman. Rev. Henry Flynt. ft " 29th 5th mo., 1644. The 
land within the common fence at Braintry, neere the Knights' necke, 

* Mr. Coddington's farm was the Mount Wollaston Farm, now owned by Hon. 
John Q. Adams. A descendant of this Coddington afterwards gave certain portions 
of land, lying towards Mount Wollaston, to the town of Braintree for the support of 
schools, as he said, " that the next generation might not be as ignorant as the pres- 
ent is." 

f Edmund Quinsey's Farm was the one now owned by Daniel Greenleaf. Esq. 

X Rec. City Boston, Vol. I. p. 5. § Ibid, p. 55. Ijlbid, p. 38 

IT Rec. City Boston, Vol. I. p. 59. ** Ihid. p. 63. 

tt RPC. City Boston. Vol I. p. 71, 



•it 

beioiiging to Bosioii, is hereby sold unto Matsoii, Jaines Pen- 

niman, Moses Payne, Francis Eliot, for os. per acre, be it more oi 
lesse, to be pay'd in corne or cattle, within one moneth, into the 
hands of Mr. Henry Flynt, of Braintry, for his own use, on consid- 
eration of his late great losso, through the hand of God's Providence, 
by fire." 

How early the regulation of all matters concerning the Mount, 
came entirely into the hands of those who held possessions here, can- 
not be precisely determined. Without doubt, after the incorpora- 
tion* of the town, its inhabitants had the sole management of its con- 
cerns: although, even then, and for one hundred and fifty years af- 
ter, it was a part of Suftolk, and intimately connected with Boston. 
i" At a general! Court of Election, held at Boston, May 13th, 1640, 
the petition of the Inhabitants of Mount Wollaston was voted and 
granted them to be a Town, according to the agreement with Boston, 
and the Town is to be called Braintree." The name, according to 
all accounts, was given to it from a town of the same name, in Eng- 
land. J" Braintrey was a Village in England, near Chelmsford, 
where Mr. Hooker was the preacher." This was a common prac- 
tise with those who were engaged in the first settlement of the coun- 
try. An anecdote is told of the first minister of Boston, that when 
the Bostonians, who came from a town of that name, in England, 
wrote home, inviting their minister to join them, he first answered, 
" I will come, brethren, on condition the place is called Boston." — 
And it was so. Nor is it at all to be wondered at. Their thoughts 
naturally turned back to the delightful land they had left forever: — 
and it was but in consonance with the best feelings of the heart, to 
wish to preserve, though it were but in a name, some memorial of 
the spot which was known to them as the scene of their childhood, the 
dwelling place of their kindred and friends, where stood the tombs, 
and where rested the bones of their fathers and brethren. 

In 1640, as appears from the votes recorded in the first volume of 
the Braintree records, the inhabitants began to lay out their public 
roads; and as early as that, therefore, they exercised the power of a 
distinct town within themselves. 

The following is a copy of the vote, for laying out the county road 
through the town. 

" 25th 12th mo. 1640.§ At a Towne meeting, there being pres- 
ent Captain William Tinge, Samuel Basse, Steven Kinsly, Martin 
Sanders, Benimin Alber, Matthew Barnes. 

At a meeting, this day, it was agreed by us and by Thomas Hool- 

* The town soon became, after its incorporation, of considerable importance. — 
This appears from two circumstances recorded by Hutchinson. In 1637, Massachu- 
setts sent 160 men, together with some sent from Plymouth and Connecticut, against 
the Pequod Indians. The several towns are mentioned, with the number of men 
furnished by each — thus : Boston 26, Charlestown 12, Weymouth 5, Hingham 6, &c. 
But none were sent from the Mount. They probably could send none. Look at 
the place in 1642, and we find it bearing an equal tax with Weymouth. A tax of 
800/. was apportioned as follows: Hingham. 20/., Weymouth. 14/.. Braintree, 14/ , 
Boston 120/. &c. 

t See Hancock's Cent. Serm. p. 21, note. 

t Winthrop's New-England, Vol. I. p. 87. note by Savage. 

^ Braintrv Rec Vol I. p. 7 



brooke, an»l Henry limgiuaii, and Nathaniel Adani», a Conimitlee 
."rom AVayniouth, to lay out the County way through Brantry to Dor- 
chester; that the same high way shall lye the full breadth of four 
rods wide, from Waymouth to Brantry meeting-house. And where- 
as, at the same meeting-house, the way cannot conveniently be had 
at one end, we appoint two rods at one end thereof, and two rods at 
the other end, and then to fall to four rods againe, at a niarke stumpe. 
u little beyond the meeting-house, and so that breadth to a stumpe 
of a tree, at *(ioodman Neale's house, and then to be carryed the 
same breadth to the lot, called Hudson's lot, rectifying the present 
way, which now is, bv taking it oti^ by several noueks, as we have 
marked the same, at the same breadtli to the going downe of the hill; 
and toward the brooke, from which hill to the brooke, six rods, and 
so runs one, (on,) four rods to Dorchester bounds, as it is already 
set out by severall marke trees for that purpose; and this we present 
to the honored Courte, to be recorded for the County high way for- 
ever." 

In the records just alluded to, and from which the preceding is 
taken will be found, the votes passed for most of the old fi'oads in 
the town. Some of these, from being unused, have become closed 
up, and now make a part of private property. One of these, which 
would be found, at the present day, very convenient, was the road 
leading from the corner of the land of Thompson Baxter over to the 
county road. When the old stone meeting-house was no longer used 
as a place of w^orship, it became of less importance. There is now 
prospect of having this road again laid open. 

In these records, moreover, are the votes passed, relative to the 
grant from the General Court of 6000 acres, to this town. The first 
is in this form. 

J" In the year 1G67, the grant, March 1669, the vote passed by 
the Towne, at a generall meeting. The Honored Generall Courte 
in way of answer to a petition, presented by the Deputy of our Towne, 
granted six thousand acres of land to the Towne of Brantry. In 
case this say'd grant he layed out, and confirmed by the Court, it is 
the vote of the Towne, that every accepted inhabitant, which is au 
householder in the Towne of Braintry, shall have an equal interest 
in the land granted, and that every such inhabitant and householder 
;shall bear his equall portion of charge in the seeking of it, and lay- 
ing of it out, and all other charges as shall follow, and every man 
shall bring in his portion, in money, at the present time, at or before 
the 8th day of this instant March." 

After which, we find the following: §" 25th March, 1673, Christo- 
pher Web. At a publick training day, it was voted, and passed in 

" Goodman Neale's house stood on the land now in possession of Mrs. Arnold, 
and fonnerly the property of the late Joseph Neale Arnold. What is called Dorches- 
ter, in this vote, is now Milton. 

fTradition tells us,that the road leading from Mount Wollaston Farm into the woods, 
was once a cow-path; and that Wollaston took this route to get timber and wood, 
which he found necessary for his convenience. Moreover, that the bridge, called 
Captain's bridge, derives its name from Wollaston. and was called Capt. Wollaston's 
bridge, within a century past. 

+ See Book A, p. 14. 

.^^eeFonk A, pp. Ifi — 1" 



^2S 

the aftirrnative, that Christopher Web, jr. should, lortlmith, goe and 
tind out a tract of land, and by a sirvaer, lay out 6000 acres, which 
was the Generall Court's grant unto the Towne of Brantry, aiid shall 
make a return of it in a platt, under the sirvaer's hand, to be well 
bounded with marked trees, with B set on the barke of the trees, and 
heapes of stones, or by digging a little square ht^le, that there may 
be markes upon every side, within 50 rods one of another; the said 
Web and partners being at all the charge; and this being sufficient- 
ly and well done, the Towne does allow the said Web and partners 
(1500,) one thousand, five hundred acres, for their pain and charge, 
in case it be look't out in a montli's time, and layed out; the said 
Web is to give six week's work to the Towne; and the platt by the 
said Christopher Web, to be presented to the Honored Generall 
Court, to have it confirmed to be the Townc's of Brantry. It is not 
to be understood, that the said si.x thousand acres should be lay'd 
out within a montii from the date specified, but within a twelve 
month. Josiah Chapin and Joseph Crosby arc accepted by the said 
Christopher Web as equal partners, they being at equal! charge, and 
these three persons are to have an equall part, in quantity and quali- 
ty, out of the 6000 acres." 

Although lands had been taken up here, by authority trom Boston, 
at an early period, yet all had not made a purchase of their respec- 
tive portions from the Indians, who laid claims to them. Accordingly, 
in 1665, the town of Braintree purchased all the right and title to 
these lands, from the Indian Chief, Wampatuck, and a deed of con- 
veyance was given under his hand; the first mention of w^hich, we 
find made Oct. 7, 1679. 

* " At a publick Towne meeting, voted, whereas the inhabitants of 
the Towne of Brantrv, having purchased of Wampatuck alias Josiah. 
an Indian Sachem, all his right, title and interest, to all the lands 
within the Township of Brantry, as appears by a Deed, under the 
hand and scale of the said Josiah Sachem, and divers of his wise 
men, and, whereas, the greatest part of the Inhabitants have enjoyed 
the particular allottments and parcels of land they are possessed of. 
by virtue of former grants, and purchases made before the obtaining 
the said Deed, and which, of right, each person ought to enjoy; — 
therefore, for the avoiding future differences and troubles, any wise 
about or concerning the premises, it is hereby ordered, consented 
to, and agreed upon, by all the Inhabitants aforesaid, whatever land 
any person or persons of said Inhabitants, have or doe enjoy, by vir- 
tue of such grant or purchase, they shall, forever, enjoy the same as 
their own proper right, to them, their heirs, executors, administrators, 
and assigns forever: any thing in tlje said Deed to the contrary, not- 
withstanding." There seems, however, to have been some difficulty 
about these lands, which is not explained in the records. 

"27th Oct. 1679. t At a generall Towne meeting, the Towne 
made choice of Joseph Crosby, Caleb Hubart, and Christopher Webb, 
jr. to prosecute their interests to the lands purchased of Josiah Sach- 
em, by a treaty with Boston select-men; and in case they cannot. 

*SeeBook A, p. 26. 
+ Book A, p. 27 



^4 

comply to bring the matter to a fairs trial, as soon as they can with 
conveniency. But Capt. Richard Brackett and Edmund Quinsey 
assented not unto the vote." 

Then again occurs the following vote. 

* "■ It was voted, the same day, 5th March, 1682 — 3, that Captain 
Richard Brackett, Lieutenant Edmund Quinsey and Deacon Samuel 
Thompson, were chosen a committee to treat with Boston committee, 
about the common lands in controversie, and if they can obtain the 
six hundred acres, beyond the Mill Common and Cachacha land, for 
the Town of Brantry, then to have full power to issue the difference 
about the said lands." 

But the most interesting document left to us, is the Indian Deed, 
respecting which, another vote is found, j" ^'^th July, 1683. At a 
publicke Towne meeting, it was voted, that the present select men, 
together with Caleb Hobart and Joseph Crosby, shall be a committee, 
and be impowered by the Towne of Brantry, to consider and act ac- 
cording to their best discretion, what may be most advisable, in or- 
der to a transmission of a authentic copie of the Deed from Josiah 
Sachem, according to his majestie's order: and also, to consider and 
to doe what may be most conducable for the Towne's safety, in all 
the premises, to doe in behalfe of the Towne, according to their 
best judgments; only the Towne to have a sight of what is sent." 

This Deed, it was feared, had been lost; but it was, at last, dis- 
covered among some valuable papers, and Deeds, relating to the 
Mount Wollaston Farm, in the possession of Hon. John Quincy Ad- 
ams. 

The Deed is well written, and seems to have been preserved with 
tolerable care. On the back of it is the following: 

In the 17th reign of Charles II. Brantry Indian Deede, given 
1665, Aug. 10. Take great care of it. 

It begins thus: 

To all Indian people to whom these presents shall come; Wam- 
patuck, alias, Josiah Sagamore, of Massathusetts, in Newengland, 
the Son of Chickatabut, deceased, sendeth, greeting. Know yoo 
that the said Wampatuck, being of full age and power, accord- 
ing to the order and custom of the natives, hath with the consent 
of his wise men, viz. Squamog, his brother Daniel, and old Ha- 
hatun, and William Mananiomott, Job Nassott, Manuntago, "Wil- 
liam Nahanton. The abovesaid Wampatuck Sagamore, for di- 
vers goods and valuable reasons thereunto; and in special for and 
in consideration of twenty-one pounds, ten shillings in hand, payd by 
Samuel Basse, Thomas Faxon, Francis Eliot, William Needham, 
and William Savill, Henry Neale, Richard Thayer, Christopher 
Webb, all of Braintrey, in the county of Suffolk, in New-England, 
in the behalf of the Inhabitants of the Town of Braintrey, abovesaid, 
within themselves; whereof and wherewith the said Wampatuck doth 
acknowledge himself fully satisfied, contented and payd; thereof and 
of every part thereof doth exonerate, acquit and discharge the above- 
said Samuel Basse, Thomas Faxon, &.c. with all the inhabitants of 

*BookA, p. 29. 

t Book A, of Records of Brantry. p. 29 



25 

ihe Town of Bruintrey^ them, their heirs, executors, adinuiistraloi^, 
and assignes, and every ofth^em. And by these presents, have giv- 
en, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these 
presents, do give, grant, bargain, sell, enfeoff, and confirm unto the 
said Samuel Basse, Thomas Faxon, &.c. and with themselves, in the 
behalf of all the inhabitants of the Towne of Braintrey, them, their 
heirs and assignes, forever, all the East of lands within the bounde 
of Braintrey, abovesaid, be there more or lesse, being bounded on 
the sea side with the North East, and with Dorchester line on the 
North West, and by Way mouth line by the South East, and by Dor- 
chester line on the South West. Excepting Mr. Wilson's farme, 
Mr. Coddington's farme, Mr. Hough's Neck of land, Mr. Quiusey's 
farme, which lands were purchased by the above said men, of his 
predecessors, which the said Wampatuck doth hereby confirme, be- 
ing all the lands within the bounde of Braintrey, abovesaid, with all 
the trees, timber, wood, and underwood, standing, lying, growing 
thereon, together with all the meadow lands, swamps, ponds, rivers, 
and brooks, lying between the bounde of Dorchester and Waymouth; 
together with all privileges and appurtenances belonging or any way.s 
appertaining to the same, to the said Samuel Basse, Thomas Faxon. 
&c. in the behalfe and for the use of ail the inhabitants of Braintrey, 
to them, their heirs and assignes, forever. To have and to hold the 
said bargained premises, as before buttelled and l)ounded, together 
with all deeds, evidences, writings and monuments, that concern the 
same, in particular, fair and uncancelled unto the said Samuel Basse, 
Thomas Faxon, &.c. to the only and proper use of the inhabitants of' 
the Towne of Braintrey, to them and to their heirs and assignes, for- 
ever. And the said Wampatuck, for himself, and for his heirs, and 
executors, administrators and assignes, doth covenant and grant with 
the full consent of his wise men, abovesaid, and with Samuel Basse, 
Thomas Faxon, &.c. and with them, in the behalfe of the inhabitants 
of the Towne of Braintrey, aforesaid, to them, tiieir heirs and as- 
signes, by these presents, that the said Wampatuck is the right own- 
er of the said bargained premises, and to every part thereof, unto 
the day of the date thereof, and hath himself full power and lawfull 
authority, to bargain, sell, convey and assure the same, in manner 
and form abovesaid. And that the said Samuel Basse, Thomas Fax- 
on, Stc. with the inhabitants of the Towne of Braintrey, shall forev- 
er, hereafter, peaceably and quietly enjoy, have and hold the said 
bargained, with the appurtenances thereof, as abovesaid, free and 
clear, and clearly acquitted from all former bargains, sales, gifts, and 
grants, joynture's tytles, dowrys, tytles of dowers, estates, mortgages, 
forfeitures, judgements, executions, and any other incumbrance what- 
ever; as, also, from all tytles of any person or persons, claiming any 
right or title, interest or propriety to the same, or any part of the 
same, in, from, or under him, the said Wampatuck, or any his prede- 
cessors. Excepting some lands abovesaid; whereby the said inhabi- 
tants of the Towne of Braintrey, their heirs or assignes, shall, or 
may be, hereafter, molested by either English or Indian person, or 
persons, or unlawfully hunted out of the possession, by, from or under 
him. And that the said Samuel Basse, Thomas Faxon, &c. or any 
'Ahf\- in the behalf of the inhabitants of Braintrey, aforesaid, shall 



26 

have free liberty to record and enroll the said bargained premises, or 
cause it to be enrolled according to the usual custom of recording 
tytles in such a case. Also the said Wampatuck reserveth liberty 
to hunt and fisii, provided he do the English no harm. In the fifth 
day of August, one thousand, six hundred, and sixty-five, and in the 
seventeenth year of the reign of our Lord and Sovereign, King- 
Charles the second, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, 
France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. 



With some words in the original. 
Signed, sealed, and delivered ^ interlined, but here inserted in 
by turf* and twig. } their proper places, viz. men in 

the 3d line, Mr. Quinsey's farme 
[line 13th. 



In presence of 

Roger Billing. 

Benjamin Thompson. 

Thomas Keyahgunsson, 
his Q marke. 

Joseph Manunion, 
his ^ marke. 

Thomas Weymous, 
his O marke. 



Josiah alias Wampatuck, 
his 10 marke, his O sea!. 

Daniel Squamog, 

his 7 marke and a seale. 

Old Nahatun, 

his X marke and a seale. 

William Manunion, 

his W marke and a seale. 

Job NoistennSj 
and a seale. 

Robert alias Mamuntago, 
his 8 marke and a seale. 

William Hahatun, 
and his seale. 

After the tbrmation of the Church, of which, separate mention will 
be made, we find little of importance, except what has been already 
stated, down to the period of the formation of the second Parish. — 
That part of the Town, now called Braintree, but first known as the 
South Precinct, afterwards as the Middle Precinct, and called, also, 
Monatoquot, from a river of that name, was voted a distinct tP<i''ish, 
3d Nov. 1708, and confirmed by the General Court, 5th Nov. follow- 
ing. The town of Randolph, formerly known as the New South 
Precinct, and afterwards as the South Precinct, was voted a distinct 
Parish, 13th March, 1726 — 7, and soon after confirmed by the 
General Court. This Parish was incorporated into a town, in 1793. 

As early as 1728, we find, that an attempt was made, though it 
proved unsuccessful, to divide the town. The records contain the 

* This was in conformity with the prevailing custom. Formerly, he who purchased 
a parcel of land, actually went on to the premises and took into his possession, % turt 
of the land and a twig of the trees growing thereon, delivered to him by the person 
from whom the land was bought. 

t The Rev. Mr. Hugh Adams was ordained the pa.stor of the Church there, Sept . 
10, 1707, when the Church was also gathered; but removed Aug. 22, 1710. His 
successor, Rev. Mr. Samuel Niles, was ordained, May 23, 1711. The third Church 
of Christ was gathered. May 28, 17S1. The Rev. Mr. Elisha Eaton ordained pas- 
tor of it. June 2 following. See Hancock's Cent. Serm. p. 2.5, note. 



loJlowing mention of it. *'' Feb. 24, 17'28. There was a meeting oi 
the town of Braintrey, to receive the report of their Committee, to 
whom was referred the subject of dividing the town, who reported in 
favor, but they would not accept it." 

In the progress of time, this became necessary. About 179U, 
those who formed the first parish, turned their attention seriously to 
the subject; and in 1792, were incorporated into a distinct town, by 
the name of Quincy. Rev. Anthony Wibird, tlien minister of the 
Congregational Society, was requested to give a name to the place. 
But he refusing, a similar request was made to the Hon. Richard 
Cranch, who recommended its being called Quincy, in honor of Col. 
John Quincy, who had been the owner of the Mount Wollaston Farm, 
which had given the first civilized name to the place. 

Before leaving this division of our history, it may be proper to 
.speak of those portions of the town, to which particular names have 
been appropriated. 

The most important of these, considering its early history, is Ger- 
muntown. It derived its name from those who came over from dif- 
ferent parts of Germany,! and settled there. Previous to its receiv- 
ing this name, it was called Shed's-neck, probably, from a man of 
that name. It lies on the north-easterly part of the town, and in 
connexion with Hough's-neck forms a peninsula, which is joined U\ 
the main land by the Mount Wollaston Farm. It is, for the most 
part, rather elevated in its situation, and has much valuable land. I( 
contains, in particular, one excellent farm, at present, owned by 
Capt. Peter Bicknell, which, for many years, was considered th«; 
most valuable farm in town. 

It is not to be concealed or denied, that much deception was prac- 
tised upon those who came over to this place. It was thought to be 
a desirable object to induce the manufacturers of glass, and the weav- 
ers, to emigrate to this country, and Germantown seemed a favora- 
ble spot for them. The overgrown state of the population in the old 
world, did not require much persuasion, to induce the laboring class- 
es to fly to a less populous land, and to one, too, which had already 
i)een associated in their minds with all that was delightful and hap- 
py. They were told, that here they .should enjoy, unmolested, those 
rights, both civil and religious, around which their affections were 
entwined, and which, alone, served to render their homes dear to 
them. 

They were given to understand, that they would be permitted to 
live as a separate community, and be responsible to the New-Eng- 
landers only for their honorable and peaceful conduct. As an addi- 
tional motive for their emigration, they were assured, that "cows and 
geese" could be got in abundance in the woods, and that their living 
would cost them little or nothing. In their sight, the sole object our 

* Rec. Town Braintrey, Vol. A, p. 182. 

jA number of gentlemen, in Boston, endeavored to obtain a grant from Court, to 
establish a lottery in order to build a glass-house. The Court gave the grant, but 
the Governor refused to sanction it. At length the Governor was absent, the office 
of the Lieutenant Governor was vacated, and the president of the Council acted as 
Governor. He gave his sanction to the grant, and the glass-house was built. Men 
were sent for from Germany, and the place soon became a village. 



^28 

i;eople iiad, in inviting them over, was, that we might be instructed 
in those useful arts, of which, in our infant state, we were entirely 
i<Tnorant. And so, perhaps, it was, but this will not authorize de- 
ception, or the violation of a sacred promise. Many came over, and 
established themselves here, and weaving and the making of glass 
were carried on with spirit. In addition to these, were a pottery and 
spermaceti works. For a long time, the novelty of the works drew 
visitors to the place, and all parties were mutually pleased. 

Had they met with no discouragement, and been permitted to con- 
tinue, there is good reason to believe, the place would now have 
been thickly settled, and in a flourishing condition. But in a short 
time, the object was effected, and the emigrants were too prosperous. 
Continual impediments to their success were thrown in the way of 
the manufacturers, till they became disaffected. Most of them left 
entirely, and retired to a town, called Waldoborough,* and for many 
years, neither glass manufacturer, nor weaver, has been connected 
with Germantown. 

The time when these men came over, I have not been able to as- 
certain, with exactness. " I was, a year or two since, (1827,") these 
are the words of a gentleman, to whom I am indebted for the mfor- 
mation; "at Waldoborough, where I met with a woman, 90 years 
old ; I inquired of her, ' if she could recollect the time when the 
glass-makers came over to Germantown ?' ' Oh, perfectly,' she an- 
swered, ' I came with with them, and we had joyful doings, on our ar- 
rival. General Palmer and old Mr. Quincy roasted an ox for us, 
and such a merry time was never heard of, before or since.' Her 
age was then about eighteen." 

From this we are to judge that they came about 1753. Mr. Dan- 
iel Crane, who died in the Alms-house in 1822, then 85 years old, 
thought he was fifteen, when they came. This nearly agrees with 
the old lady's account, and we are probably safe in settling the peri- 
od between 1750 and '60.t 

Hougli's-neck, a part of the town connected with Germantown, 
washed by the sea, so called from a man of that name, who once liv- 
ed there. 

Knis^liVs-neck., a part of the town, on the south-easterly side, to- 
wards Braintree, bordering on a branch of what is called Fore-river, 
so called from a man of that name. Here, in former times, (1635,'i 
.says Governor Winthrop, J" two carpenters, going to wash them- 
selves, were carried away with the tide, and drowned. 

*It is commonly reported, that a man by the name of Waldo, after their disaftiection. 
invited them to follow him to a Township, in his possession, at the eastward, and that 
there they became prosperous. Tliat afterwards, the heirs of Waldo claimed the town- 
ship. The Germans considered it theirs by possession, and, as their final resort, re- 
solved to shoot any one who should lay claim to it. This is report. Its truth may be 
doubted. It is, at least, tnie, that there was some difficulty', and that a reference wa« 
made for its settlement. 

fThere was not a Uttle of romance connected with some who came over here. A 
young woman had been engaged to one of her countrymen, who suddenly embarked 
ibr this place. Her parents had opposed the match, and their marriage was prevented. 
Finding that her lover had left the country, she followed him in the next vessel that 
sailed, and, on landing at Germantown, he was the first on the shore to meet her. — 
They were married, and their descendants are yet with us. 

tWinthrop's Journal, p. S3. 



The Farms, a part ot the town, lying tmvards ?Sep..r..sot nver. 
probably, deriving its name from the circumstance that Quiricy and 
Wilson had their t'arms in that direction. At a very early period 
this part of the town was called The Farms. 

Stinanhim is a large tract of land, on the northcrLV pari of the 
town, which may very properly be called a peninsular pmnionfory. 
It is, in many parts, exceedingly rocky, though there is still much 
valuable land there. 

This place was, no doubt, the peculiar residence of the Indians, 
who dwelt in these parts. Near here, lived the famous Sagamore 
Chickatabat, whose authority is described by Hutchinson *'■'• as ex- 
tending round the harbors of Boston, Charlestown, through Maiden, 
Chelsea, Nantaskot, Hingham, Weymouth, and Dorchester." 

He was an interesting character.! Prince makes the following 
mention of him. J*' April lo, Chickatabat comes to the Governor 
again, who puts him into a good new suit, from head to foot, and af- 
ter, sets meat before him; but he would not eat, till the Governor 
had given thanks; and alter meat, desired him to do the like." 

§" In 1633, a great mortality was caused among the Indians, by 
the small pox, when Chickatabat died, and many of his people." 

ji" His son Josiah, grandson Jeremy, and great-grandson Charle.^ 
Josiah, succeeded in the humble sovereignty." 

Among the conjectures, respecting the etymology of the word 
Massachusetts; the following, by Neal, gives the origin of the name 
to this place. 

" The Sachem, or Sagamore, who governed the Indians in this 
part of the country, had his seat on a small hill, or upland, contain- 
ing, perhaps, an acre and a half, about two leagues to the southward 
of Boston, which hill, or hummock, is now in possession of Captain 
John Billings,1I and lies in the shape of an arrow-head, which arrow- 
heads are called, in their language, mos, or mons, with an nasaJ, 
and a hill in their language is Wetuset; hence, this great Sachem's 
.*eat was called Moswetuset, which signitic? a hill in the shape of an 
arrow's head, and his subjects, the Moswetuset Indian.;, from whence, 
with a small variation of the word, the province received the name 
of Massachusett.** Now this arrow-head-hill is found to lie just 
about that distance south of Boston, near to Squantum, and is be- 
sides, still called Sachem's hill. 

The most satisfactory account of the origin of the name of this 
place is that it was called thus from Squantum, the celebrated fi-iend- 
iy Indian, long known and loved by the Plymouth settlers. 

Here, for many years, was celebrated a Pilgrim Feast, to which 
people, from all parts of the State, resorted, and spent the day in so- 

*Hutchinson, Vol. I. p. 75, note. 

t There is a tradition, that, on a certain ti.me, an inferior Sagamore, from Nantasket 

ii'ie war on this same Chickatabat, and that he came over here and fought him. He 
n;i? routed, and in Hying from his pursuer, attempted to cross a deep creek, but was 
so fa*- spent, that he was drowned. From which circumstance, the creek has been 
called " Sagamore Creek," to this day. I believe this creek is in or near Milton. 

tPrince, Vol. II. p. 26. §V\ inthrop's Journal, p. 56. 

I ! Savage's Notes to Winthrop's Journal. 

""This was the grandfather of the present John Billinjs. 

'*.Neal. Vol. H. n. ?i'^i). 



oiai glee, partaking oi the produce oi sea and shore, in nieniory ot 
'he Pilgrim Fathers, and their first landing at Plymouth. It has, 
however, l)een discontinued for some years past. 

BenPs Point lies on the easterly part of the town, over against. 
Gerniantown, and may be considered, already, the most beautiful 
part ofthe town. It has been settled, within a few years past, by 
enterprizing men, mostly by such as have led a sea-faring lifie. The 
principal excitement to the settlement here, was given by Major Wil- 
liam Vinal. The place seemed to afford great conveniences for the 
curing offish, and for ship-building, both of which have been car- 
ried on, though not to the extent at first anticipated. 

The Point has already become a place of considerable business; 
and for the regularity ofthe buildings, and the taste displayed around 
them, is certainly not equalled by any other part ofthe town. The 
value of the place has increased much, since tiie opening of the 
Hingham Turnpike. During the greater part of the year, the Wey- 
mouth packets, which pass daily to and from Boston, connect the 
place intimately with the city, so that it promises to become at no ve- 
ry distant period the most important part ofthe town. 

This place has also been called Old Field's District, according to 
tradition, because, once it was about the only spot in town where 
corn was raised. By a particular vote ofthe inhabitants, it is hence- 
forth to be called Qnincy Point. The name Bent's Point was de- 
rived from a family of that name, residing thereabout!^, 

RELIGIOrs SOCIETIES. 

Congregational Church. 

Almost the first subject, to which the minds ofthe early settlers ol 
our country were turned, after they landed here, was the formation 
of a church. It was religion which first excited them to leave behind 
them their native shores, and to plant themselves in this land of pro- 
mise. To provide a covering from the storm, and a security against 
wild beasts, or men as wild, were matters of course to which neces- 
sity prompted them; but it was real principle, and that of no ordinary 
character, which led them, amidst poverty and distress, to rear tem- 
ples to the Most High, in the solitude ofthe wilderness.* 

There is every reason to believe that Wollaston was a man of prin- 
ciple, and that he shared in that religious feeling which made a part 
of the being of our forefathers. Had he remained here and settled 
down with his colony, he would no doubt have shortly established a 
church. Morton, indeed, complains that the ill-will of the settlers 
against himself, arose from his own deep piety, and from his being 
accustomed to read the prayers of the church of England, in his 

*The establishment of the Thursday Lecture in Boston, is a fair instance of the at- 
tention our Fathers paid to reliejion, in the early days of New-England. This was 
attended by all classes and conditions of men, from almost every part of the State. It 
was thou2;ht but an exercise of duty, to walk from Salem, in the morning, attend the 
Lecture, and return homo at night. And when this is considered, it will hardly appear 
strange, that the good people of Braintree were constant in their attendance. 1 am 
told, it was the invariable custom of a certain farmer, in this place, to put his wallet 
round his neck, with two large boxes of butter, walk to Boston, sell his butter, attend 
the lecture, and return in the nfterrjoon. 



•31 

family, as "every good man should."" ^lo doubt inucU unchristian 
spirit was shown by the Puritans towards those who professed to be 
of the church of England, from whose persecutions they themselves 
had just escaped, and that there was much in their conduct which no 
circumstances and no condition could warrant. The principles of tol- 
eration were neither well understood nor acknowledged for many 
years after the landing of the pilgrims. They were in some measure 
tinctured by the very spirit they had abhorred and fled from. It is 
said of IVLr. Dudley, Deputy Governor of Massachusetts,* " that he 
died with a copy of verses in his pocket, wrote with his own hand, 
and that the following two lines made part of it. 

" Let men of God in Court and Churches watch 
O'er such as do a toleration hatch." 

But I believe we shall all be ready to say that in the present case 
cause enough can be found in the character of Morton, for the course 
which was pursued against him, without resorting to the pretence 
which he himself has urged. 

As may naturally be expected, we have no account of a church 
existing here during Morton's residence. No account is given of 
any thing like one, till after the place had become re-settled by those 
gentlemen who took farms here. Even the few who had then taken 
up their abode here, had a minister among them sometime before 
they had formed themselves into a church. As early as 16.36, when 
Mrs. Hutchinson, by her religious zeal, proved the cause of so much 
excitement in Boston, one Mr. Wheelwright, who was connected with 
her in religious opinions, and who was also the source of some diffi- 
culty there, came out and preached to the people of the Mount. Mr 
Wheelwright was a popular man, and gained many followers while in 
Boston; but when the question came to be decided whether he should 
become a teacher in the church of Boston, as many wished he should, 
Mr. Cotton observed t"that though bethought reverendly of hi? 
godliness and abilities, so .is he should be content to live under such 
a ministry, yet seeing he was apt to raise doubtful disputations, he 
could not consent to choose him to that place: whereupon the church' 
gave way that he might be called to a new church, to be gathered at 
Mount Wollaston, near Braintrey." 

That he did in fact preach here, appears by the following, j" The 
former Governor and Mr. Coddington, being discontented that the 
people had left them out of all public service, gave further proof ol" 
it in the congregation, for they refused to set in the magistrates' seat, 
where Mr. Vane had always sitten since his first arrival, and went 
and set with the deacons, although the Governor sent to desire them 
to come unto him, and upon the day of the general fast, they went 
Irom Boston to keep the day at the Mount, with Mr. Wheelwright.''^ 

§ "The Rev. Mv. Wheelright preached some time to this part of 
the church, and town of Boston, and acquired some possessions 
here." 

All this was before any regular Church had been formed. The 
formation of a church, in those days of rigid religious sentiment, was 
always prior to the incorporation of the town. " The inhabitants of 

*See Hulchiu.son, Vol. I. p. 95, note. fThis written by a later hand. 
iWinthrop's .tournal. p. 12S. oHancork's Conl. Serm. p. 21. 



.^2 

Boston, who had taken their farms and lots at Mount WoUaston, rind- 
ing it very burdensome to have their business so far o(f, desired to 
gather a church there. Many meetings were about it. The great 
iett was in regard, it was given to Boston for upholding the town 
and church there, which end would be frustrated by the removal of 
so many chief men as would go thither. For helping of this it was 
propounded that such as dwelt there should pay six pence the acre 
yearly for such land as lay within a mile of the water and three 
pence for that which lay further off." 

This was in 1636 — It was not until 1639, that the Church was 
gathered. In one of the old books of the church, a record is made 
to this effect: "The first church of Christ, in Braintrey, was embo- 
died 16th Sept. 1639, it heing Lord's day." Winthrop thus notices it. 

" 17th 7th mo. 1639.* So this day they gathered a church after 
the usual maimer, and chose one Mr. Tomson, a very gracious, sin- 
cere man, and Mr. Flint, a godly man also, their ministers." 

Though the place had been settled thus early, on account of the 
difficulties which occurred, the church can hardly be classed among 
the very first that were formed. It was the fifteenth fin older. 

Mr. Thompson;]; and Mr. Flint§ were the fir.st ministers of the 

^Winthrop's Journal, p. 188. 

I Some of the old historians, among whom i?i Gorges, in giving the order of the 
Churches, make this the twenticUi, and I suppose Mr. Hancock followed their order. 
But I choose to follow that given by Hon. James Savage, in UU valuable notes to 
Winthrop's Journal, Vol. I. p. 94, to which the reader is referred. The old historians 
were exceedingly wanting in accuracy, on many important point*;. 

} It may be worth while to mention, that the house in which Mr. Thompson lived, 
stood nearly opposite the house of the present udniste;-, in what 11-; now often called 
the Thompson lot, and which was always known by that name formerly. The rc- 
ii^ains of the cellar, which was umler his house, are to I)c seen fo this day. His well. 
.ilso, since tilled np, may be distinguished. It was under the large pear tree, in the 
vibove mentioned Thompson Lot. 

This house was afterwards owned by one Thompson, a descendant of the minister, 
who was, iiy trade, a tailor. There is an anecdote, relating !o him, and a certain 
-lady, then distinguished in the town for her hatred of all fashions, which she termed 
•' useless foppeiy and finery.'" The anecdote may serve to explain his being after- 
wards called petticoat Thompson. 

The ladies of those days wore rich broadcloth pcUiconts, often trimmed with still 
richer lace. This good lady came to Thompson, the sailor, with broadclolh, for the 
petticoat, and Vt-ry wide gold lacc. for the trimming. " How's this, good madam?" 
said the tailor; " You are not a friend to the fashion..-'" " 1 thought," said the ladj , 
" it would do to strengthen the garment." "Well, well," an.swered the tailor, "so 
it may, we'll see to it." When the lady called for her dress, behold the rich gold 
lace was sewed iirmly on the inside of the petticoat. As may be expected, slie wa-^ 
not a little onragf^d. The tailor laughed, enjoying the joke, adding, at the same time. 
■' I knew yon hated the Cri'^-hions, madam, and, therefore, thought it best to put tbi" 
lace out of .sigh'." Tiadiiion does not tell us how the lady looked at this, but that, 
concealing her di'-plea.'ure, she answered, " That was, to be sure, very prinient, Mr. 
Thompson, bvu. since the lace cost so mudi, 1 think Til have if outside, for a border."" 
The pleasure of the joke repaid the tailor for the trouble of (he alteration. 

§ Mr. Flint lived in a house, situated on the spot, where now stands the house of 
Mr. Jedediah Ad;uus. 

Thus the pastor and tea<'her were near neighboTLi. The present minister lives on 
Jtlie land once in pos.>;ession of the first teacher of this Church. 

Whether any part of Mr. Flint's house is now standing, making a part of Mr. Ad- 
ams' house, is uncertain. At any rale, there is, underneath this building, a amall cel- 
lar, which has always hee.n tontied, the Flint cellar, and was. tu) doubt, used bv M;. 
Flint. 



33 

Church. Gorges and Johnson bt)th make mention of thena in a lev 
lines of poetr)', formerly a favorite mode of ireatmg characteis. 

" With two-lbid cord doth Flint and Thomson draw, 
In Christ's yoke his tktiow cnoiuid to break, Sec." 

According to the distinction observed in those early times in the 
Churches, 5lr. Thompson was ordained pastor, and Mr. Flint, teach- 
er. "The tirst deacons of the Church were, Mr. Samuel Bass, hav- 
ing been dismissed and recommended to them from the Church in 
Roxbury, July 5, 1640, and Mr. Richard Brackett, who was ordain- 
ed July 21, 164'2, having been received to communion by a letter, 
recommendatory from the Church of Boston, June 24, 1642."* 

f' Mr. Thompson was ordained eight days after the Church was 
gathered, viz. Sept. 24, 1639, and Mr. Flint the 17th March follow- 
ing." 

In Oct. 1642, Mr. Thompson was invited to go on a mission to 
Virginia, with the Rev. Mr. Knowles, of W'atertown. The ministers 
of New England were solicited by several in that part of the country, 
to take pity on their destitute circumstances, and send them good 
ministers to preach the gospel. It was, at least, honorable to the 
place, no less than the minister himself, that Mr. Thompson should 
be selected to go on this mission. He returned, however, the next 
year, by reason of an order of the government there, J" that such as 
would not conform to the ceremonies of the Church of England, 
should, by such a day, depart the country." 

Mr. Thompson died here Dec. 10, 1668, aged 68. And Mr. Flint,§ 
April 27, 1668, having been connected with the Church more thaii 
29 years. 

They were both great men lor the age in which they lived. Mr. 
Thompson was of a melancholy temperamant, however, and permit- 
led imaginary evils to interrupt the comfort and peace of life. 

Mr. Cotton Mather, in his Magnalia, where he gives the characters 
of nearly lifty of the first Clergymen of New-England, makes very 
honorable mention both of Mr. Thompson and Mr. Flint. Speakinw 
of the melancholy disposition natural to some men, and the events 
through which Mr. Thompson passed, which tended to depress his 
spirit; first, being driving from England and afterwards from Virgin- 
ia, he says, j|" Satan, who had been, after an extraordinary manner, 
irritated by the evangelical labors of this holy man, obtained liberty to 
sift him; and hence, after this worthy man had served the Lord Je- 
sus Christ in the Church of our New English Braintree, he fell into 
that balneum diaboli, a black melancholy, which, for divers years, 
almost wholly disabled him for the exercise of his ministry." He 
then goes on to remark, that " after the Devil has been duly resisted, 
he will flee from us, and that in the case of the Rev, Mr. Thompson, 

'Hancock's Cent. Serm. p. 23, note. 

fHancock's Cent. Serm. p., 22. 

+Hancqck's Cent. Serm. p. 22, note. 

§Mr. Flint was fatlier of Rev. Josiah Flint, formerly pastor of the Church of Christ, 
in Dorchester, and grandfather ot Henry Flint, Esq. many yean .senior fellow of Har- 
vard College. 

It Sep Mather's Magn^ia ; also for what follows. 
5 



:J4 

he was resisted by tlio prayers of all the clergymeu, so that * the end 
of that man was peace.' " 

After this, he embodies his whole character in a long piece of po- 
etry. In reference to his melancholy state, he thus writes: 

" With a rare skill in hearts, tliis doctor could 

Steal into them words, that sihould do them good, 

His bal<ams, from the tree of life distill'd, 

Hearts cleans'd and heal'd, and with rich comfort's fill'd. 

But here's the wo, — Balsams, which others cur'd, 

Would, in his own turn, hardly l>e endur'd." 

lie speaks of Rev. Henry Flint, in allusion to the resemblance of 
twins, and likens him to John Cotton, of Boston. According to Mr. 
Mather, Mr. Flint had two sons, twins, and to one he gave the name 
•afJohn, and to the other Cotton. "In fact," says he, " he was 
•John Cotton to the life." He refers, therefore, to John Cotton for 
the character of Mr. Flint. Of Mr. Cotton, it is sufficient to say, 
that he employs eighteen pages of his Magnalia in his praise.* 

During the time of the ministry of tiie pastor and teacher, there 
were '204 members of the Church. One of Mr. Flint's manuscripts 
is still extant, containing baptisms from April 30, 1643, to March 1, 
1667 — 8, in which, 408 are recorded, though Mr. Hancock thought 
some were omitted.! 

After the death of their first ministers, the Church was unhappily 
divided, as Mr. Hancock says, " one being for Paul and another for 
Apollos, as is too often the case in destitute Churches." After the 
death of Mr. Flint, four years elapsed before another minister was 
settled. This was from April 27, 1668, to Sept. 11, 1672. 

Mr. Moses Fiske, who was the next minister, was sent by the 
Court of Sessions, for the county of Suffolk, to preach at Braintree, 
while the Church was in this divided state. The order of the Court 
on the matter, is found in the records kept by Mr. Fiske, and now 
in the hands of the present minister of the Congregational Church. 
It is to this effect: 

*Mr. Thompson's grave stone is still standing m our church yard, on whicli is Uie 
following inscription. " Here lies buried the body of the Rev. Mr. William Thomp- 
son, the first pastor of Braintrey Church, who deceased, Dec. 10, 1666, JEtatis suce 68. 
He was a learned, solid, sound divine. 
Whose name and fame in boath England did shine." 

And by his side lies Mrs. Anna Thompson, h's wif'-. 

A stone, in the form of a monvunent, lies over the remains of Mr. Flint and his wife, 
with another at the head, on which is the following inscription : " Here lies interred 
the body of the Rev. Mr. Henry Flint, who came to New-England in the year 1635 j 
was ordained the first teacher of the Church of Braintrey 1639, and died April 27. 
1668 He had the character of a gentleman remarkable for his piety, learnmg, wis- 
dom, and fidelity in his office. By him, on his right hand, Ues the body of Margery, 
his beloved consort, who died March, 1686—7. Her maiden name was Hoar. She 
was a gentlewoman of piety, prudence, and peculiarly accomplished for instructing 
youno- gentlewomen ; many being sent to her from other to\vns, especially from Bos- 
ton, "they descended from ancient and good families in England." Over several ot 
the graves in our yard will be found large square stones. These were placed, m ear- 
lier times, as a defence against the wolves, who came in large numliers and devoured 
the bodies that were buried. These stones were generally placed below the surface, 
directly over the body ; in some places there may have been two to each gr,\ve, one 
below and another above. 

H-Ia)ic.ock's Cent. Seiin. p, 2:?. note. 



"• At u Covinfy L'ouit, held at lioslon by aiijounimiiiitj \i.:3cl ^ov. 
1671; the Com t havinjj taken into consideration tlie many means 
that have been used with the Church of Braintree, and hitherto, 
nothing done to effect as to the obtaining the ordinances of Christ 
among them — this Court orders, therefore, and desires Mr. Moses 
Fiske to improve his labors in preaching the word at Braintree, un- 
til the Church there agree, and obtain supply tor the work of the 
ministry, or this Court take further order. 
This is a true copy as attest, 

Frekgrace Bend.\ll, C/erA:." 

Mr. Fiske came out, after taking the advice of the neighboring 
elders, and preached his first Sermon, Dec. 3, 1671. He says in 
his records, " After the Sermon and exercises were ended, I apolo- 
gized as to my coming, &.C., and the next day, about twenty of the 
brethren came to visit at I\Ir. Flint's, manifesting, in the name of the 
Church, their ready acceptance of what the honored Court had done, 
* * * m^(j thanking me for my compliance thereto." 

He was settled Sept. 1 1, 1672, according to his own record, which 
is this: 

t" 11th 7th mo. 1672. This was the day of my settlement espous- 
als to this Church and congregation, being selected to the office of a 
pastor to them. The Churches present by their messengers, were, 
besides three at Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester and Waymouth; Mr. 
Eliot prayed and gave the Charge; Mr. Oxenbridge and the dea- 
cons joined in the laying on of hands; and Mr. Thatcher gave the 
Right Hand of Fellowship. Dep. Cov. Leveret, 31r. Danforth, Mr. 
'linge and Mr. Stoughton were present." 

Mr. Fiske continued in the ministry thirty-six years, and died 
Aug. 10, 1708, in the 66th year of his age.]]; During his ministry, 
147 members were added to the Church. Baptisms, 779. None 
.ire recorded during the vacancy." 

The next pastor was Mr. Joseph Marsh, who. was ordained May 
18, 1709, nine months after the death of Mr. Fiske. He continued 
in the ministry seventeen years, and died^ March 8, 1726, aged 41 
years. The number of members added to the Church during his 
ministry, was 102. Baptisms, 288. In the vacancy between his 
death and the settlement of the Rev. John Hancock, there were 8 
baptisms. 

'See Records of First Church, by Mr. Fiske. flbid. 

t Hancock. 

§Mr. Fiske and Mr. Marsh are buried together in the same tomb, over which is what 
was once a neat monument, though now defaced. The inscription is hardly visible. 
Tt is this: 

Braintree ! thy prophet's gone, this tomb inters 

The Rev. Moses Fiske, his sacred herse. 

Adore Heaven's pr;useful art (hat forin'd the man 

Who souls not to himself, but Christ oft won : 

Sail' J throuijh the straits, with Peter's family 

Renown'd, and Gains' hospitality, 

Paul's patience, James' prudence, John's sweet love, 

Is landed, enter'd. clear'd and crown'd above. 



The Rev. John Harjcock, the next, ministsr, was oidained* Nov. 
2, 1726. He continued in the pastoral relation nearly 18 years, and 
was with the Church, to use his own hunable language, " in weakness 
and in fear and in much trembling." He was, by no means, howev- 
er, a weak man. jHe possessed good talents and applied himself 
diligently to the duties of his otiice. In the great revival in religion, 
which spread throughout the country., during his ministry, he, with 
great wisdom and prudence, saved his people from enthusiasm and 
extravagance, on the one hand, and irom infidelity and indifference to 
religion on the other. 

In the year 17-39, he preached his well-known Century Sermon, on 
the completion of the first Century since the gathering of the Church. 
|He died May 7, 1744, in the 4^id year of his age. 

Next to Mr. Hancock was the Rev. Samuel Bryant, who was or- 
dained^ Dec. 4, 1745, He was a learned man and of a powerful 

*Wednes(lay, Nov. 2, 1726, Mr. John Hancock was ordained the pastoi of'the church 
of Christ, in the North Precinct of Braintiee, by the solemn imposition of the hands of 
the Presbytery. The Churches .sent unto and desired to be present at the solemnity, 
were the Churches of Cambridge, Lexington, Dorchester 1st Church, Milton, Brain- 
tree South Church, Weymouth 1st Church, and Hingham 1st Cirurch. The Rev. Mr. 
.John Danforth made the first prayer ; my bon. father, the Rev. Mr. Hancock, of 
Lexington, preached the Sermon from Luke xxiv. 49. Rev. Mr. Thacher gave the 
Charge, and the Rev. Mr. Danfoith the Right Hand of Fellowship. The Rev. Mr. 
Niles and Mr. Appleton laying on hands. His letter of dismission from the Church in 
Cambridge, was read at the same time, by the Rev. Mr. Hancock. The auditory was 
i'ery numerous. — See Church Records, 1st B, p. 70. 

\See Allen's Amer. Biog. p. 326. 

jMr. Hancock lived on what is now called the Hancock lot. His house became,, 
after his death, the property and residence of his son, John Hancock, President of the 
second Congress, and Governor of the State of Massachusetts. Rev. Samuel Bryant 
also hved m this house, and after him Col. Josiah Quincy, father of the young patriot, 
and grandfather of the present Mayor of the City of Boston. The cellar of this house 
is still to be seen. 

Among the old houses still standing, one in possession of Lemuel Brackett, Esq. 
iriay have been once a garrison. The stone walls, of which it is composed, may seen: 
to indicate that such was the case. Its situation, near Mount WoUaston, author- 
izes the belief that the stone part of it might have been built near the tii.ie of Wollas 
ron. 

In the house of Daniel Greenieal, Esq. on the farm which was granted to Edmunt) 
Quinsey, is a study room, which was built for Henry Flint, grandson of the first teach 
er of the Congregational Church, and for more than fifty years tutor, and nearly thi 
same period fellow of Harvard College. This is called Flint's study, to this day. 

Opposite the house of Mr. John Bass, on the rising ground, once stood the dwelling 
of Thomas Revel, one of the regicides in the reign of Charles I. He was obliged to 
leave his country to save his life. He came out here, and lived in great obscurity, 
iiaving built himself a mere shed, as a covering from the storms and cold, on the above 
mendoned spot. After so!me time, the owners of the land claimed it, and he wa-^ 
obliged to remove. He retired into the stone-commons, where he built a log-huv. 
barely sutficient to cover himself and his hog, who occupied one end of his miserabh' 
abode. All that could be learnt of him, while living, was, that his name was Tom 
Revel. But when he died, the Governor of the Province, and other distinguished 
men of the time, came out from Boston, and were his pall-bearers. From which cir 
cumstance, his true character was brought to light. He was of noble birth, and adis- 
ringuished man in the land of his fathers. 

^Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1745, Mr. Lemuel Bryant was ordained the pastor of the firj-i 
Church of Christ, in Braintiee. The Churches sent to, were the Church at Lexington 
the 2d Church in Scituate, the 2d in Braintiee, the 1st in Hingham, the 1st in Scitu- 
ate, the Church in Milton, the 1st in Stoughton, the Church in Dorchester, the 1st in 
Weymouth; the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Scituate, began witli prayer; the Rev. Mr. 
Eelis, of Scituate, preached from 2d Corinthians iv. 50 ; the Rev. Mr. Niles, of Brain- 
tree, gave the Chaise : the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Milton, th". Right Hand of Fellow- 
ship. 



-37 

•iiuju, Pre.siueni Adaa:!*. senior, haa calico imn ••linr iturned, iugfc- 
iiuous and elo<iuent pustor." He was too liberal for the period m 
which he lived. He was accordingly dismissed, Oct -2, 1753. — 
During his ministry, he was engaged in controversy with the Rev. 
Dr. Miller, ot' the Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Mr. Porter, oi 
Bridgewater, and others. 

In 1 755, the Rev. Anthony \\ ibird* was ordained pastor of the 
Church, and continued till June 4, 1800, when he departed this life^ 
in the 7'2d year of this age, and 4Hth of his ministry. 

For many years previous to his death he was unable, from bodil) 
infirmities, to attend upon the duties of his office. He was a learned 
man, though in his habits somewhat eccentric, and withal of great 
dignity,t and beloved and respected by his pei)ple. 

Towards the last part of his life, it was necessary to supply his 
pulpit with other clergymen a great part of the time. Mr. Whit- 
man, now a lawyer in Pembroke, and Rev. Mr. Flint, now a minis- 
ter in Cohasset, received calls to settle as colleagues with Mr. Wi- 
bird, but did not accept them. Rev. Peter Whitney, having suppli- 
ed the pulpit a short time, was invited to settle, and was accordingly 
ordained J Feb. 5, 1800. 

During his ministry up to the present time, there have been 612 
baptisms; "280 couples have been united in marriage; and ii'2'2 have 
been admitted to full communion. The number of deaths during 
the same period, amounts to 666. The church at present consists or' 
i34 members.^ 

"Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1755, Anthony Wibird was ordained pastor ot the First Churcii 
of Christ, in Braintree. The Churches sent to, were the 2d and 3d in Braintree, Re\ 
Mr. Nile.s, pastor of the 2d, and Rev. Mr. Tatt, pa«tor of the 3d. To the Rev. Messrs. 
Sewall and Prince, of Boston ; to the First Churcli in Cambridge ; the Rev. Mr. Ap- 
j.leton, pastor: to the First Church in Portsmouth, Rev. Mr. I.angdou, p.-istor ; Rev. 
Mr. Bowman, pastor of the Church in Dorchester; Re^ . Mr, Rubbins, pastor of thf 
Church in Milton : Rev. Mr. Smith, of Weymouth ; Rev. Mr. (Jay, of Hingham . 
Rev. Mr. Dunbar, of Stoughton. Rev. Mr. Langdon began with prayer ; Rev. Mr. 
.Appleton preached from Leviticus, x. 3 ; Rev. Mr. Gay gave the Charge ; Rev. Mr 
Dunbar the Right Hand of Fellowship. 

jMr. Wibird was also a man of great circumspection and pnuh-nce. Ho had always 
jn answer ready for all who approached him. and was never found to conunit himself. 
Being a believer in a future state ot righteous retribution, he v/as on'-e asked by one o' 
the Universalist persuasion, what he thought of their doctrines. A question given af- 
ler the maimer of the Pharisees, raiher to try hii:i for an answer than to get his opin- 
ion. " Why, sir," said the dignitied parson, -'ifycu are right, we can't be wrong 
and I think yours a very safe way." 

^The religious services at his ordinalion, were performed by the following clergy- 
men : Introductory Prayer, by the Rev. Prof. Ware, of Cambridge, then minister oi 
Hingham ; Sermon by Rev. Mr. Whitney, of Noriliborough ; Ordaining Prayer by 
Rev. Dr. Fiskc, of West Cambridge ; Charge by Rev. Mr. Cummings, of Billerica ; 
Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. McKeau, of Milton ; Concluding Prayer by 
Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dorchester. 

§Mr. Stephen Kinsley, of Dorchester, now Milton, was oidained the first ruling- 
elder in this Church, Oct. 12, 1653 ; Mr. Francis EUot and Mr. William Alice were 
ordained Deacons the same day. The successive Deacons to this day are these, viz. 
Mr. Robert Parmenter, chosen in the room of Deacon Eliot, who deceased Oct. 23 
1677 ; and Mr. Samuel Tliompson, son to the pastor, both ordained, Nov. 2, 1679, by 
the Rev. Mr. Fiske. Then succeeded Mr. Thomas Bass, Mr. Joseph Penniman, Mr. 
Nathaniel Wales ; afterwards ordained ruling elder, viz. Feb. 27, 1700, by Mr. Fiske. 
The Rev. Mr. Peter Thatcher, of Milton, and elder John Rogers, of Weymouth, join- 
ing in the laying on of hanf"". Mr. Beniarain Ssvil succeeded Mr. Wales in *he Des- 



■■i8 

For the last tiiiity years, this society has been more uuite.ci pei- 
haps than any other in our country. No " root of bitterness" hat 
in any measure sprung up to trouble them; none of that ill-will, 
which sectarianism so often produces, has been found among them; 
nor have any of those sources of division arisen, which, in so m.'iny 
<;f the towns oSNevv England, have rent the happiest societies asun- 
der, divided parents and children, aiid miugled the spirit ot," unchai^ 
itableness, bigotry, and any spirit but that of Christ, wifh that wor- 
ship of God, which should be "lirst pure then peaceable." 

The church in which the congregational society at present assem- 
ble, (1827,) is the second house which has been erected for the pub- 
lic worship of God, by this socitty. It has usually been supposed 
Umt it was the tbird, because Mr. Hancock, in his sermon observes, 
"• This is the third house, in which we are now worshipping, that we 
and our Fathers have built for liie public worship of God." But by 
inquiry, I find that by this he was understood to mean that two wore 
built by this society, and one by the Episcopalians. 

In the records, is the following account of a vote, which was pass- 
ed in 1G95. * "November, A. D. 1695 — It being then proposed by 
the inhabitants, whether the present meeting-house in Braintrey 
should he repaired or another built, it vvas then voted that a new^ 
meeting house be erected or built; a second vote was that Mr. Ca- 
leb Hubbard, and Benjamin Savel, should be a committee to repaire 
and .stoppe the leaks in the south side of the meeting-house for the 
present. Benj. Thompson, T. C." 

Afterwards we find this record, "Nov. 25, 1706, The inhabitants 
of the town of Braintrey, being lavvfully convened, it was then pro- 
posed by the moderator, that whereas there were two meeting-houset- 
erected in this town, whether the south end shall be u congregation 
by themselves, for the worship and service of God. It was then 
voted, by the major part of said inhabitants, on the affirmative." 

This then seems to be the meetmg-house, built according to the 
vote passed in 1695; and, in fact, in 1708, what is now called the 
first parish in Braintree was made a distinct parish, as we have seen 
and they probably worshipped in the house just referred to. More- 
over, the present meeting-house in Quincy was finished in 1732. and 
it would be altogether improbable to suppose that in so short a time 
another meeting-house should have been built, on the supposition 
that one was built also for this Parish in 1695. 

The stone meeting-house was the only one, therefore, before the 
present house, (1827,) and was placed on the rising ground near the 
present market house, occupying the spot on which stands the shop 
of Mr. Benjamin Fa.\on. It continued standing for some time after 

conship, then Mr. Moses Paine, then Mr. Grejrory Belcher, who was killed by a 
plough, July 4, 1727 ; then Mr. Peter Adams, and Mr. Samuel Savil were chosen, 
Aug. 21, 1727. So that there have been 14 Deacons in this Church, and 2 ruling 
elders. Elder Wales died, March 23,1717—18. See Hancock's Century Serm. p. 
23, note. 

Since that period, the following gentlemen have otficiated as Deacons. Moses 
Belcher, Joseph Neal, Joseph Palmer, John Adams, Jonathan Webb, Benjamin Bass, 
Ebenezer Adams, Daniel Arnold, Jonathan Webb, Elijah Veazie, Jonathan Bass. 
Messrs. Josiah Adams, Daniel Spear, and Samuel Savil, are the present Deacons. 

"'Sep BrniDtre'=> Fee. Vol. I. p. 42 



.3J» 

tiic preseiu uiic was built; but was not used, as some have supposed- 
lor a school-house. When it was hrst erected, it served a double 
purpose; a garrison* to defend the inhabitants against the Indians, 
and a place for public worship. 

The churches in the early days of our country had little indeed of 
comfort or accommodation about them. There were no pews, ex- 
cept such as each individual chose to build at his own expense. In 
the first vol. of Braintree Records, are found many curious votes 
passed in relation to this subject. One in particular may be men- 
tioned. " Whereby permission is granted to a certain gentleman to 
build hun a pew over the pulpit provided he so builds it as not to 
darken the pulpit." "f 

The present house was dedicated in 17.^3'2, Oct. 8. "It was rais- 
ed" says Mr. Hancock, "July ^7, 'vi8,29, 17.'31, in peaceable times. 
The text preached upon at the dedication was Isaiah Ix. 13. The 
sacrament ol the Lord's supper was then admini-stercd; at the eame 
time also we began to read the Holy Scriptures in course. The 
portion then read was 1 Kings, 8th cliap. The Sabbath iollowing 
we began the book of Job and the Gospel of Matthew.^ Deo optimo 
maximo Laus et gloria. "J 

The first tower of this house was struck by lightning about the 
year 1755, and shattered to pieces. It was placed on the top of the 
roof, on the north-west end. The present tower was built just be- 
fore the revolutionary war, but the inhabitants were prevented from 
completing the cupola till alter the war. 

This church has undergone several repairs at different periods. 
By the increase of the population, it was found to be too small foi 
the accommodatitm of the people, and in 1806, it was rendered more 
commodious by opening it through the whole length, and increasing 
its size by a great number of pews. The whole appearance of the 
church was improved by this act, and thus it has continued to the 
present time. The engraving at the beginning of this pamphlet showp 
its appearance in 1827.^ 

"The other public gjarrison was near the liouse of Mr. Joseph BasH. Indeed, tiit 
cfllai' to his house is the same one which was du^ for the garrison. His garden wa«. 
in former times, fenced in, and used as a place of safety for the cattle, against the at- 
tacks of the Indiums. Between his house and the hill, on which stood the other gar- 
rison, the stone meeting-house, was an immorise swamp. This swamp was altogether 
impenetrable, except by one or two pathi, known only to the inhabitants. And, ac- 
cordingly, when the Indians were hereabout.^, the people from the two garrisons couli? 
pass from one to the other, through tiic swamp, without 'he least da>iger of annoyance. 
The place lias little Uie appearance of an impassable sv.amp now. , 

f The vane of this fir.st Church has been preserved to the pre--enl lime. Towards 
tlie close of the life of President Adams, senior, he had it plaiM-rl lioforc his house, on 
a pole, where it still remains. 

|"Praise and gloiy to God all great and good." 
. Mr. Hancock records, that Madam Norton presented a vcy handsome velvet cushion 
for the pulpit of this Church. 

§The dimensions of this house, since tiie last alteration, are as follows : Width 56 
feet, length 61 feet, height of tower to bell-deck 50 feel, height oi' cupola from bell-deck 
25 feet, height of ball, above the vane, from the ground, 75 feet. The appearance of 
the Church, inside, as well as out, is still very respectable. There are 87 pews on the 
lower lloor, and all painted throughoui. The galleries, as well as tha roof, are support- 
ed by four large pillars, which give the bouse rather a solemn and imposing appearance 
The puloif is in (be ancient stvJe of buildin'r, handsomely en r\>'cK with one flight oi' 



40 

Tue inhabitatus are now engaged in electing a new church of 
■ftone for their better accommodation, in consequence of a very lib- 
eral grant of the Hon. John Adams, of several quarries of stone for 
that purpose. Another generation has risen up to worship with their 
fathers, for whose convenience a larger church seems to be required. 
The utmost harmony has prevailed in regard to the subject, and it is 
expected that a new Church will be prepared for the worship of God 
in the course of another year, equally creditable to the public spirit 
of the inhabitants fvnd the memory of the honorable donor. 

Ei-iscoPAL Church. 

The Episcopal Church* in this place, was built sometime betweei. 
the years 1725 and 1728. There is in existence, a bond of Samuel 
Pain, dated August 13, 1725, to pay 5/. to Peter Marquand and oth- 
ers, a committee " for building a Church of England in Braintree.'" 
And a record is made in the hand-writing of Dr. Miller, that the 
lirst meeting within the walls of the Church, was held on Easter 
Monday, 1728. 

It appears also, from another bond, that an agreement was made 
between Ebenezer Miller, on the one hand, and Henry Turner, Pe- 
ter Marquand, John Vosey, George Cheesman, Benjamin Vesey and 
Samuel Pain, on the other band, and by this agreement Mr. Miller 
received 100/., which sum was to be returned to Turner and others, 
with interest, in one year, if before that time he should not be " ap- 
;>ointed to preach as minister of the Episcopal Church in Braintree, 
by the honorable society, for propagating the Gospel in foreign 
parts." This sum was intended to defray the expense of Mr. Miller'^^ 
voyage to England. 

Mr. Miller was then Master of Arts at Cambridge, New-England. 
He went to Europe and v»'iis ordained Deacon by Edmund, Lord 
Bishop of London, June 29, 1726, and Priest, July, 1727, was ere 
ated Master of Arts at Oxford, July 16, 1727, was licensed to preach 
the Gospel in Massachusetts, 24th July, 1727, was appointed mis- 
sionary to Braintree, New-England, Aug. 26, 1727, and Domestii 
Chaplain to the Duke of Bolton, Sept. 28, 1727. He then returned 
io Braintree, where he officiated till his death, Feb. 11, 1763. Hit 
remains are entombed under the Church, over which he presided for 
.36 years. t 

During this period he was once again in England, and was creat- 
ed Doctor in Divinity at Oxford. Dec. 8, 1747. From February li, 

.stairs. Below is the Communion Table, foimino; the front part of a large pew ; accord 
ing to ancieut custom, made for the accommodation of the Deacons, or perhaps for tb-^ 
Ruling Elders. In front of tlie galierj', for the choir of singers, is a handsome clock, 
pieserited to the Society by two ladies. Madam Abigail Adams, v/ife of President Ad- 
a.iiiS. senior, and Madam Esther Black, widow of the late Moses Black, Esq. 

'This account of the Episcopal Church is taken trom a Report of a Committee oa 
pews , of which L. M. Sargent Esq. was chairman 

tDr. Miller lived in a house which .stood till it was taken down, a short time since, 
•A'hf re now stands the house of Edward Miller, Esq. a lineal descendant of the worthy 
divine. The houce, which was taken down, was very old, and an elegant house for its 
day. It was. for many years, th« residence of Major B^benezev Miller, son of the 
i^oc'or. 



41 

1 7lii>, to the Clirisiiijus t'olluvviuif, tlic Church was desiitiue of" a min- 
ister. From Dec. l/G.^, to March .SO, 1777, being Eustcr Sunday, 
the Rev. Edward Wiiisiow na^5 its pasfor. From March .SO, 1777. 
to the ordination of its present minit^ter, there lias been no settled 
clergyman over the chtirch. 

The land on which this church is creeled and i(s surrounding yard. 
Mcregrante'd as a free gift by William and Benjamin Vesey, August 
'2i), 17"25, in these words: "For building a Church of England upon, 
and for no other purpose." On the settlement of Mr. Winslow, the 
congregation agree«l with the society abroad, by whom he was ap- 
pointed, to proviile a decent house and glebe (or his accommodation. 

Accordingly, Feb. '2.5, 1704, a subscription conmienced with that 
intent, the head of which closes in these words: "for the use and 
benefit of an Episcopal minister forever, performing divine service 
according to the liturgy of the Church of England, at said Brain- 
iree." 

The deed is from Thomas Alleyne and wife, dated Aprils, 1765, 
to the wardens of this chur<;h and l!»eir successors, "• to and for the 
sole use and beneiit of said Episcopal Church," and for the consid- 
eration of .'?0t>/. \:is. Ul. lawful money. To this purchase '20/. were 
■ oMtributed by John Borlarul, and !'2/. by John Apthorp, of London. 

On Easter Sunday, 1777, Mr. Winslow gave notice that he should 
no longer othciale in this churcli, and on the -d of Angu.sf, 1777, ho 
mailed with his son iVom B<»ston to Jihode Island, lo be exchanged 
ior (wo prisoners. Death prevented ihe execution of this design. 

On Easter Sunday, 17(iO, a collection was made for the suftereis 
by a lir(! in Bo.ston, and the society felt themselves able to bestow on 
this object 11/. II. lawful money. 

In 177.3, it was found necessary It) enlarge the chnrch at the east 
Olid Vi feet. The pulpit was then r<!moved to the corner of the 
north range of |)ews from the centre of the opposit*^ side. 

On the records ot" the church up to this period, may be found near- 
ly HOO baptisms. In 1704, sixty-fnir heads of families are named by 
Mr. Winslow, as belonging to this church, and sixty communicants 
knelt round the altar. 

In 1777, without anv symptoms of decline, it may be said to have 
fallen in tlie midst of its slrcngth. In that year Mr. Winslow ad- 
hering to the principles of monarchy, abandoned the church and the 
colonies. The fall of the church since that period has perhaps justly 
been ascribed to the necessaiy conne.\i«in between it and the Gov- 
ernment of England, during the revolutionary struggle. 

Mr. Miller and Mr. Winslow, received from the society for propa- 
gating the gospel, 00/. sterling, or ^'iOO; the residue of their sala- 
ries being paid by their parishioners. But after the revolution, 
when we could no longer pray for the King as our ruler, this support, 
was withdrawn. 

After this the church became little more than a church in name. 
Without a minister and without revenues, it was supplied by readers, 
and at times by some gentlemen in orders. The lay reader who first 
followed Mr. Winslow, was Mr. Joseph Cleverly. At a meeting on 
Easter Sunday, 1734, the thanks of the church were voted to Mr. 
Cleverly for his past services, and at the same meeting it was voted 
'o confer with the Rev. Mr. Parker, on the subject of applying to 



4t!. 

Mr. Taylor to othciatt- in this church. Wlience it is interred that 
Mr. Cleverly's first term of service was from 1777 to '84, about seven 
years. 

At an adjourned meeting of the church, May 17, 1784, Jarnes Ap- 
tliorp, Esq. was requested to solicit the society for propagating the 
Gospel, once more to lend their tUd here. 

At another adjournment, May 31, 1784, it was voted to engage 
Mr. Wheeler to officiate one Sabbath in each month. 

At a meeting Oct. 3, 1784, some attempt was made to settle Mr. 
Graves, of Providence, but after a conference with that gentleman 
it failed. 

March 28, 1785, the church renewed its contract with Mr. Wheel- 
er, to preach once a month till Jan. 1, 1786, and afterwards ou 
Easter Monday, till 1787. The contract was annually renewed, and 
Mr. Wheeler supplied the church thus till April, 1790; Mr. Cleverly 
reading service when he was abseht. April 26, 1790, it was voted 
that Mr. Wheeler be employed only once in two months. 

May 16, 1791, James Apthor(\and others were appointed to pro- 
cure a minister for the summer, and the Rev. Joseph Warren, was 
applied to and occasionally preached, as did also the Rev. William 
Montague. 

April 8, 1793, the contract to preach monthly was renewed with 
Mr. Montague, and continued till 1799. It was then thought proper 
to employ his services through the summer, and upon occasional 
Sabbaths. 

After the year 1801, to which period Blr. Montague continued to 
supply, different clergymen and readers have been employed, who 
have officiated for single Sabbaths or longer stated periods; of this 
number were Mr. John L. Blackburn, once rector of St. John's 
Church, Providence; William Clark, James B. Howe, Calvin WoU- 
cutt, &c. 

The church continued to have preaching, without a settled minis- 
ter till 1822. " Oct. 8, 1822, it was voted that this society accept 
the consent of the present incumbent, the Rev. B. C. Cutler, to of- 
ficiate permanently in this church, as their pastor, and they hereby 
agree to pay over to him annually, the whole future income of the 
church, together with the rent of the glebe, after deducting the ne- 
cessary current expenses; and they sincerely pray that their society 
may be increased under his care, so as to render the salary more 
worthy of his acceptance in succeeding years." 

Rev. Benjamin Clark Cutler, was ordained* deacon of the church 
19th September, 1812. He commenced preaching herein July of 
the same year. He has since been admitted to the order of priests. 

Since that period the church has been enlarged by two wings run- 
ning the whole length of the house, and now many more assemble 
within its walls for the public worship of God, than have assembled 
there at any period since the foundation of the Church. 

EDUCATION. 

From the first settlement of the town great attention has been paid 
to the education of the young. The Puritans in their poverty never 

* At his ordination the Rev. Dr. Gardner, of Trinity Church, Boston, read prayers, 
and the Rev. Bishop Griswokl, of Bristol, preached. 



4o 

lost sight ol learmiig, and thai spirit of tlieirs which ietl ihcru to look 
more mildly on death than on ignorance, passed down fi"om 'sire to 
.son,' and was not suffered to perish here. 

Almost among the very earliest records of the town, are those 
which relate to the estahlishment and mamtenance of schools. Neal 
says, in early days " Roxbury and Braintree are distinguished for 
their free schools." 

The first school-house in this town stood near the spot on which 
the first meetmg-house was placed, and occupied the land on which 
now stands the house of Mr. John Green. The next stood on Pen's* 
jiill, near Mr. Henry Hardwick's house, and was kept many years 
by a Mrs. Belcher. President Adams, sen. was one of her scholars. 
The vote for the erection of this school-house, is still on record. 
" Oct. 2, 1697 — Voted that a new school-housef should be built in 
the road between Clement Cox his house, and Gregory Belcher's, 
hard by the white-oakj tree. The dimensions of the house to be 
twenty (f,cA long, the width sixteen feet long, and seven foot between 
joynts." 

The next school-house^ stood on the land where now stands the 
iiouse of Mr. George Newcoml), nearly opposite the Hancock lot. 
The school-house which stood till it was burnt down in 1815, on the 
edge of the green opposite the meeting-house, was the next in order. 
The one now standing was raised shortly aftor that was burnt, and 
finished in 1817. The whole cost of this building was ^2127 19: 
over the school-rooms is a large and convenient Hall, used by the 
town for the transaction of all public business. 

Besides the schools kept in the houses above mentioned, others 
were added to the several districts as the town increased. From the 
situation of the town, it is hardly capable of the same accommoda- 
tions in regard to schools it might otherwise possess. 

The central school which is kept through the year, is so far re- 
moved from some of the districts, as to make it inconvenient for all 
who might wish to attend; and although two schools placed in favora- 

'For this information I am imlebted to Mr. Jo-ieph Bass, who is of the very best 
authority in matters of tradition ; and to him also for an anecdote relating to tJiis same 
Mrs. Belcher. It was a custom with her to carry her corn to mill herself, except 
when some one of her scholars lent her a helpinsj hand. John Adams, afterwards 
President of the United States, was a favorite among the rest, and when he carried 
the c.irn, she gave him as a reward three coppers, and charged him at the same time 
to keep his money to buy land with. It is unnecessarj- to add how well he profited 
by early instruction. 

fThis school-house was a very fine one for those days. It had a bell attached to it 
for the use of the scholars. But a bell was so novel a thing that, when the ma.ster 
was not in the school, it was kept incessantly ringing. This was not found so agree- 
able to those who lived near, and who would < jentimes have preferred to have been 
spared what the scholars considered so delightful a treat. One morning the scholars 
came to their bell rope with their accustomed earnestness, but most unfortuna;ely for 
them the bell had been taken in the night and was never afterwards heard of. 

^This white-oak tree seems to have been one of note, for it is often referred to, and 
made of as much importance, as if it had been a mountain never to be moved. 

§This school-house stood partly in the road. It was kepi by a Mr. Fisher, who 
made it a custom, as it was then a custom in all the schools, to hear his scholars re- 
cite on SaUirday morning in the Assembly's Catechism. Mr. Joseph Bass was then 
a boy, and one morning among the rest was questioned to recite. But he refused, 
°*y''^g! that his father wished him not to recite in the Catechism. He was excused 
"by the master, but the matter was the cause of some excitement. Afterwards Mr. 
Fisher was invited to dine with the father, and the affair was settled. 



A4 

Hb Situations tf» be kept through the year niight seem to remedy ti>e 
evil, it has not as yet beeii tliought expedient to make such an ar- 
rangement. According to the present system, two of tlie larger an(i 
most distant districts are furnished with a scliool-master during four 
months in the year, while in the summer season all the districts are 
provided with a school-mistress. 

A private school is also kept by Mr. William Seaver, for scholars 
attending to the English studies, which t'rom the experience of the 
2;entlenmn in school-keeping, will, without doubt, be found of great 
value to the place, as an acccinimodatidU for those who may choose 
to have the benefit of private instruction. 

i he following are the sums which the town have seen fit to raise 
for the several years mentioned. The sums have been increased 
from year to year according to the demand for larger appropriations, 
and their means of conveniently satisfying that demand. 

In 1792, voted to raise 75/. for the support of schools. 
1802, " $430 

1810, '* 722 

1826, '■ 1360 

Between the years 1740 and '60, a Latin school was kept ni this 
town by Mr. Joseph Marsh, son of the former minister, which was 
one of the most respectable schools in the country. He kept his 
school in the house now owned by Mr. Frederick Hardwick, sen. 
He prepared young men for college, and fitted others for honorable 
stations in life. John Adams, Zabdiel Adams, and Josiah Quincy,jr. 
went through the course of studies preparatory to entering the Uni- 
versity, under his care and direction. 

By the liberal *donation of the late President Adams, a founda- 
tion has been laid for an Academy here, which at some future time 
will place the means of obtaining a classical education within the 
reach of all in the town who may desire to avail themselves of them. 

lAhrarics. The Adams Library, so called from its donor, is one 
of the most valuable in the State for its size. It was presented to 
the inhabitants of Quincy by the Hon. John Adams, a short time be- 
fore his death. It consists of about 3000 volumes, and contains 
some of the very choicest works, some of which are not to be found 
in any public library in the country. It is designed to be placed in 
a room of the Academy for the benefit of the school. At present, 
the inhabitants derive little or no benefit from it. But if the design 
of the " beneficent benefactor" shall hereafter be answered, as with- 
out doubt, some time or other, it will, their children and their chil- 
dren's children, to the latest time, may successfully derive from it 
tho55e advantages, which the aged patriot had in view in present- 
ing it. 

The Quincy Social Library, is owned by a number of proprietors, 
and is intended for a circulating library. It consists of two or three 
hundred volumes, and has been the means of exciting a love of read- 
ing and of useful knowledge, which have amply compensated for all 
the expense attending it. It might be still more enlarged and made 
of incalculable advantage to the town. 

*In addition to the land containing the quarries of stone, the Hon. John Adams; 
presented to the town, a very valual'le lot of land, called the ' Haneocli lot,' — and on 
this, according to the conditions of the grant, the Academy is to be placed. 



B»-'suic ti)es«, arc ma.iy private horniits ijel(>iij>ing to ditferoiit in- 
dividuals, whith, witli tlie attention [laid to learning, bear strong tcs- 
(iir.ony to the intelligence, good sense, and pnblii- spirii: olthe peo- 
ple. 

STATISTICKS. 

Within the last few years, the population of this place has rapidly 
inc'eased, and few towns are, at present, in a more prosperous and 
growing condition. 

[n the year 1800, according to the census then taken, the follow- 
ing was the return made ot the iuhahilauts ' 

Males, - - . . 53i» 

Females. - - - - 520 

Colored. - - - - 22 



Total, 1081 

Whole number of dwelling houses. l.'?4 
In the year 1820, the return was as follows: 

Males, - - - - 812 

Females, - - - - 798 

Colored. - - - - IS 



Total, 1623 
Whole number of families, - - - 251 
The whole number of dwelling-houses in 

1827, amounts to . - - 240 

MiWia. A sufficient number of men performing military service, 
is furnished from Quincy to form two large militia coniptinies, and an 
independent company of infantry. For many years, several individ- 
uals in the town juined with others of one or two of the neighboring 
towns, and formed a company of cavalry, but at Icnglii, there were 
not found enough sufHci(;ntly interested in its support, and it was dis- 
l)anded. 

During the revolutionry struggle, a company was formed in this 
place, which was commanded by Captain Vinton, father of the phy- 
sician, which was marched to Cambridge for the defence of the place. 
This company afterwards went to New-York, but many of its mem- 
bers died through fatigue. The life of a soldier was new to them, 
and its hardships were too great. 

Fire Department. Two bands of men are released from the num- 
t)er performing military duty, i'or the management of two Fire En- 
gines, which have been thought necessary for the safety of the town 

*Mr. Hancock observes, in the notes to his Century Somion, that many ancient 
laniilies had tlien become extinct. At present, ilie names of Payne, Pannenler, 
Pahnej, Neale, Crosby and Thompson, Ibimerly very numerous, are not to be found 
among us. 

He mentions also, several instances of longevity, viz. Mr. Francis Newcomb, who 
died May 27, 1692, upwards of an hundred. Mr. Lawrence Copeland, who died 
Dec. 30, 1699, at least an hundred years old. Betty Suchunnuig, an Indian, was 
reckoned an hundred years old at her death. 

He records two remarkable instances of sudden death in the house of God, in the 
time ot divine service, viz. Mrs. Lydiii Saunders, who sunk down in lier seat and died 
instantly, March 9, 1711, at 12 A. M. in a stood old age. And Mr Joseph Parmenter,. 
who dropt down dead in the Dulpit. Fi»b. 20. 17:17 in the S2d ve.nr of his age. — ^ff 
H. C. S. p. 26, note 



4b 

against fire. (hw. ot these is called the ''■ Cohirnhm,"' tlie utiier iht 
" Adams Engine." 

A Society is also formed among the inhabitants, called the " Qiiin- 
cy Fire Societv." for the mutual pre.servation of each other's prop- 
erty in case of fire. 

Trade, Sfc. There are seven shops in the town for the retail of 
English, West India, and American goods. 1 here is one Tavern* 
and one Hotel. About one hundred men are employed in manufac- 
turing boots and shoes, and on an averrige, perhaps, nearly the same 
number in splitting and hammering stone. There are two establish- 
ments for currying leather, one Tannery, one Dye-house, one chaise- 
lace manufactory, one establishment for weavih-; stockings, three 
chaise manufactories, three establishments for the employment of 
wheelwrights; between twenty and thirty men are employed as car- 
penters, three establishments for working slate, one cabinet manu- 
tactory, four blacksmith's shops, two taylor's shops, one jeweller. 

On the farm of the Hon. Josiah Quincy are large and valuable 
salt works, from which a vast quantity of salt is annually made. 

A fine market-house is kept open through the year, by which, in 
addition to other means, for the same purpose, the inhabitants are 
conveniently lurnished with almost every kind of provision. 

A Post-office has been established in this place for many years, 
and a fine stage coach runs daily to the cit}'. Besides this, other 
.stages are passing througli the town at almost every ho-sr, so that in 
this way we have everv convenience for communication with the 
city. 

Ship-btiiltlins;, Fishery, S^c. "j Ship-building has been of late years 
of considerable importance in this town. At different periods, it has 

*The first tavern in this town was the middle part of the house occupied by Mr. 
Benjamin Faxon, ;)nd was kept bj' a Captain Mills, who was also a representative to 
ihe General Coiirt. The next stood on Pen's Hill, and was kept by Mr. Penninian 
The third was kept near the house of Mr. Petei Boylston Adams, first by a Mr. Crosby 
and afterwards by Mr. Bass. The fourth stood where now stands Ihe house of Captain 
.lames Bracket t, and was kept by hi>; grandfather. The next was kept near Mr. William 
Packard's house, and was kept by Mr. Cleverly, afterwards by Mr. Marsh. The next 
was kept in Mr. Pac!:ard's house by Mr. John Newcomb. He being proprietor, several 
had the care of this lavern, among whom are the names of Arnold, Hayden, &c.. The 
nextwas the present tavern, opposite the Congregational Church, kept first by Colonel 
Thayer, next by Capt. Young, next Deacon Savil, and now kept by Mr. Daniel French. 
In this house Gov. Shirley once lived. 

fin September 1789, the famous ship Massachusetts was launched from that part of 
Quincy called Germantown. She attracted great attention at the time, and dre^v to 
Iier launching people from all parts of the State. She was built for the Canton trade. 
Major Samuel Shaw, ot Boston, agreed with an East India company to have her built, 
ii^li Hayden, of Braintree, contracted with Major Shaw to build her. Daniel Briggs was 
the master builder. Her dimensions were as follows : 

Length of keel, 116 ft. 00 I Lower deck, 5 ft. 10 t 

Length of beam, 36" 10 j Gun deck to upper, 6" 6 
Foremast in length, 81" I Lower hold, 13" 6 

" diameter, 27 in. &c. | Gunwale, &c. 1 " 6 

it is commonly reported that thi? ship was lost in her first voyage. This, however, 
is not true. The report probably arose from a prediction, of Moll Pitcher of Lynn, a 
fortune-teller, that she would be lost and everj' man in her. This prediction had a 
wonderful effect upon the seamen, so that, in fact, three different crews were shipped 
before she left Boston. She reached Canton in safety and was there sold. In Bata- 
via and Canton she was pronounced the handsomest vessel in the two ports. Foi a 
more particular account of this vessel, the reader is referred to Delano's Voyages, where 
are described, in a very inter^'sling manner, tli*' superstitious fears of the crew ditrins 
the vovaoc 



been prosecuted with more or less spirit, and some ot' the finest trad- 
ing ships* have been launched from our yards. Two yards only are 
in use for this purpose at present. 

Curing offish has been somewhat attended to at Quincy Point. — 
The situation of the place affords many conveniences, and before the 
last war it was carried on more extensively than it has been since. 
This event caused an interruption in the business which has not as 
yet been restored. 

jyiitls. Till within three or four years past, two millst have been 
in operation for grinding corn and other kinds of grain. One of 
these, called Veazie'sl mill, was in use during half the year only. 
It was at length found, that the land which it was necessary to cover 
in order to form the pond, was more valuable than the mill, and it 
was no longer continued. The tide-mill is still in operation, and it 
the only one at present in the town. 

Beside the tide-mill, and in connexion with it, is a saw-mill, which 
has been found of some use in sawing. But it cannot be supposed 
that, in a place where boards and plank can be obtained at so rea- 
sonable a rate by shipping, a mill of this kind should be found so val- 
uable as in places farther removed in the interior. 

Stone Quarries. The Stone quarries are valuable sources of wealth 
to the town. The stone which they yield is of the finest species of 
granite, and has, of late, been preferred by many to the white Chelms- 
tbrd granite. It is found of different qualities and different colors 
Some of it is white, and resembles much the Chelmsford, though it 
is not found of so fine a grain. In other places it bears a greyish 
aspect. But that which is generally considered the best at present, 
is of a fine blue color. This is found to retain its original appear- 
ance without the least change; while the other colours lose their beau- 
ty in a few years. 

Before the year 1800, these quarries were not worked or thought 
of much value. It is said, that the person who thought of turning 
them to an account, was fearful of the success of his project, and 
was rather secret in trymg his wedges. He found the stone to split 

*A large vessel was also built many years dgo, by the lower wharf, on the place oi 
Daniel Greenlcaf, Esq. It was built for the Province, from the timber which grew 
near the place, and under the superintendancc of the two Quinry's, Col. Josiah and 
Col. John. 

fThe first mill in this tnwn was on the land of Lemuel Bnickett, E.^q. and nearly 
opposite a small island !-y e Canal-bank, called the Pin-cushion. There are to bo 
seen, to this day, the remains of a wharf near the spot, and the timbers which formed 
part of the mill. 

It was kept, says Mi . Joseph Bass, by a man of the name of Twelves. By traditioa 
so called, because he commanded a company of twelve men. In days less particular 
on this point than the present, it was not uncommon to nick-name a person ; and for 
this, to be ever afterwards the only appellation by which the person should be known. 
What was the proper sirname of this Twelves it is imposbible to determine. 

In connexion with this mill may be mentioned, a wind-mill, built by Royall Tyler, 
about the year 1786. This mill stood on the plain by the shop of M. R. &, E. ilarsh. 
It was not well constructed, and did not answer die purpose for which it was in- 
tended. 

The plan was not generally approved of before it was built, and not a little fun was 
made at the expense of the buildor. Among others, Mr. Wibird, then minister of the 
Congregational Church, was asked by Mr. Tyler how he liked his mill. " Why, sir," 
said he, " when I was a boy I made one myself, but it wonld not go."' 

tOwned by Deacon Elijah Vcazie. 



48 

in it regular rnaauer, and since that period the quarries have bev.u 
M'orked without interruption. 

Nothing but marble can exceed the beauty of this granite, when 
well worked. It presents a tine surface, pleasingly variegated, unit- 
ing in its appearance richness and massive strength. 

This granite has been wrought into almost every form. Perhaps 
it appears to the greatest advantage when worked into pillars. Yet 
whatever form it is made to assume, whether taken rough from its 
bed, or nicely hammered into regular blocks, and made the outer 
wall of a dwelling.* or formed into noble pillars, or made to stand, (^as 
it has been,) for monumentsf to the memory ol'tlie dead, it is in every 
way attractive. S )me of the quarries seem to be inexhaustible, and 
promise to endure as long a.s man endures through all coming time. 

Quarries of slate have also bv^^en Ibund near Neponset, which have 
proved useful in furnishing a substance for grave-stones. 

Canals end Ruil-ivay. It has always been a desirable object to 
form an easier mode of conveying the stone from the quarries to th'e 
wharves, than by carting (hem, which has been found not only ex- 
tremely burdensome and tedious, but also attended with an expense 
all would be glad to diminish. No way had as yet been devised for 
taking the stone to the wharves hut by teams; and as it could not 
easily be got to the water, a plan was formed for bringing (he wafer 
nearer the stone. 

Accordingly, in the spring and summer of lBi24, a canal was be- 
gun by Mr. Joshua Torrey, an enterprising man, which, it was in- 
tended, should run from the head of the creek, east of the Alms-house, 
nearly to the meeting-house, by which a very great part of the car- 
riage by land would be saved. It was entered upon and pursued, for 
a time, with spirit, but it seemed likely to prove too expensive, at 
lea.st for one individual, and the whole design was entirely aban- 
doned. 

An impulse, however, had been given to public spirit, which seem- 
ed likely, in the end, to be productive of good effects. In the spring 
of I8':2.5, another plan was set on foot to follow the stream called Town 
River, from the tide mill, as far up as the Stone Bridge, on the 
Hingham and Quincy Turnpike, and so to scoop out the channel and 
raise canal banks, as to render it navigable for sloops of considerable 
burden to wharves which should there be built. Shares were ac- 
cordingly sold, and a company was incorporated by the name of the 
•'■ Quincy Canal Corporation," and the plan was begun with the most 
sanguine hopes of its ultimate success. 

The Corporation, however, were unfortunate in many oftheir con- 
tracts, and the thing did not advance so rapidly or so successfully 
as was expected. With various fortune, at one moment prosperous, 
then adverse, now with high hopes, and then again on the eve of 
leaving it forever; they at length completed their undertaking in the 
autuQin of IS'dS. 

'Though it may appear suange, it is no less irife, tliat till witliiu tlie last year, there 
was not a reguiar stone house in the town. Tber? wore stone ganisons which were 
afterwards conveited into dwelling-houses or other buildings, and ol' tliis character 
was (he old .stone meeting-hous", Init no one had, (ill lately, hnilt a house of this mn- 
tc.rhl. 

fTho stone for the Hnnkpr-hill Mnniinient is lo-.r preijaring. to he taken from tins 
p'aee 



4'' 

The cost of this canal was upwards of 5|10,000. Sloops can now 
approacli within a mile of the ledges and take the stone to market; 
while in return, opportunity is offered the sloop owners to take in 
another cargo of lumber or other saleable articles, because they can 
thns be landed nearly in the centre of business. At the head of this 
canal is a fine wharf, the longest and best in town, and no place ap- 
pears more favorable for a lumber wharf, stores for grain, Si-c. 

Soon after this canal was commenced, a bolder design was form- 
ed of building a Rail-way, on which the stone might be transported 
in great quantities, from the quarries directly to the wharf This 
was a much bolder design, because it was one, which had, as yet, 
never been tried in this country on so large a scale as was now con- 
templated. The plan was suggested irom the wish to obtain, in the 
easiest mode possible, a sufficient quantity of stone for the erection 
of the Bunker Hill Monument. Under this plea a more general in- 
terest was undoubtedly awakened, in favor of the proposed project, 
though all were anxious, independent of any such patriotic feeling, 
to do all that could consistently be done, to cherish the spirit of in- 
ternal improvements,- and especially for a rail-way, which was an 
object of universal curiosity. 

Several routes were surveyed for the purpose, and the one which 
led from the quarries, on ihe borders of Milton, was at last selected 
by the company, as the most conducive to their interest and to the 
plan they had in view. It was the wish of the Town of Quincy, as 
a body, as well as of individual owners of quarries, that the rail-way 
should run directly through the town. This route seemed attended 
with less expense, and was also favorable to the interests of those 
who held valuable quarries on th" south side of the hill, from whence 
stone had been hitherto taken. They had fears lest a sad alternative 
should be left them, either to see the rail-way company taking to 
themselves all (he business, or else to be obliged like (hem to build 
a rail-way of their own; neither of which seemed altogether agreea- 
ble. 

The Rail-way Company obtained permission from the Legislature 
lo build their road, and it was immediately entered upon, and entire- 
ly completed in the autumn of 1826. The entire cost of (he work 
was estimated at ^100,000. It runs a course of about three miles, 
from the quarries to the wharves. For a short distance, it is formed 
of two branches, owned by different companies, one belonging to the 
Bunker Hill Monument Association, exclusively, the other, to a so- 
ciety of gentlemen of wealth, in Boston. 

It has hitherto fully answered the expectations, at first entertained 
of its success. How far, or whether it will, in any degree, prove an 
injury to those before engaged in the stone business, time alone can 
determine. 

Should it, however, continue to fulfil the design proposed, and its 
owners be enabled to aflrtrd their stone, at market, at a much cheap- 
er rate than can be afforded, by the owners of ledges, who have 
hitherto been engaged in this business, and who cannot unite with 
the rail-way already built; perhaps it would not be taking too great 
a prophetic view, to suppose that another would, in a few years, be 
constructed, running through the valley, which seems to have been 
designed by nature for the purpose, on the south side of the hill, 

7 



50 

where these ledges lie; and either uniting with the canal, at its head, 
or pursuing its way onward to the open ocean. 

Surface, Soil, Sfc. The Town of Quincy is, for the most part, 
much diversified with hills and vallies. Some of the hills are very 
high, and are distinguished by different names. Mount Wollaston 
rises to a considerable elevation above the level of the sea. Pen's 
hill is an abbreviated name, given to a high hill between Quincy and 
Braintree, from the family of Penniman, once large owners of land 
thereabouts. Mount Ararat is a large and lofty hill, and is among 
the parcels of land, lately presented to the town, by the Hon. John 
A.dams. President's hill is a beautiful eminence, so called from its 
being, a great part of it, the property of the second President of the 
United States. The title seems to be well appropriated, since it has 
now become the property of another President. The top of this hill 
commands one of the most beautiful prospects in the country, which, 
on a clear Summer's evening, is picturesque in the highest degree. 

The soil is generally, rich and fertile. Some of it is rocky and 
barren, but for the most part, it is made annually to yield an abund- 
ant harvest. 

Relics, Curiosities, 8fc. In the north-west part of the town, bor- 
dering on Milton, are still to be seen the remains of a furnace, which 
was built there, in all probability, nearly two hundred years ago. — 
The dam, which was raised to form a pond for water-works, is still 
standing, and the cinders, which came from the furnace, lay scatter- 
ed about to show that men once worked there, and have passed 
away. A short time since a cavern was discovered, of which the di- 
mensions were as follows: depth, about 8 feet, vi'idth, 6 feet, with an 
entrance-way of 3 feet wide. The walls of this cavern are well built 
of stone, and seem to indicate that very great fires were once made 
in it; probably it was used for the furnace. A small plate of iron was 
also found, no doubt left there by the workmen when they left the 
place 

Little is known respecting those who worked in this furnace, or the 
time when it was erected. The great-grand-father of Mr. Wilson 
Marsh lived on and owned the land nearly opposite the railway hotel, 
and in his farm was included the furnace meadow. He settled there 
in 1650, and the furnace was then standing. Through this family,* 
tradition informs us, that men were sent over here by a company in 
England. It has been thought that the workmen were Swedes; but 
of this there is not so much certainty. Whoever they were, they 
proved a dissipated set; the pioprietors lost by them, and broke up 
the establishment. The ore which they worked was taken from the 
meadow,! south-west of Mr. Edmund Billings'. This was about a. 
mile from their furnace. 

The situation which they chose was well calculated for the object 
they had in view. By erecting a very small dam, the stream, which 
passes through the meadow, is made to overflow an immense portion 

*For this I am indebted to Mr. Wilson Marsh. 

j Near this place, till within some few j^ears past, stood a little bridge, which always 
went by the name of the " Furnace-mine bridge." The distance of this mine, from 
the furnace, will cease to be wonderful, when we find that in the Jerseys they have 
carted their ore ten miles, after landing it from the vessel, which had carried ft by w.)- 
ter as many mov 



51 

ot' land, of little value; by which a water power is obtained, suffi- 
cient for carrying on extensive works. 

In the year 1819, the bones of two Indians were discovered by 
some workmen, on the land of the Messrs. Billings', near Squantum. 
From the appearance of these bones, it was supposed that the bodies 
were a male and female. Those of the male seemed to indicate a 
man of great size. Under their heads were found a large piece of pure 
copper, two hatchets, and other relics which proved they had been 
connected with civilized men, perhaps with Morton.* 

In 1775, near the farm-house of Mr. George W. Beale, stood what 
was considered an old fort. Three sides were under the ground, and 
well stoned. The door was made of double plank. It may have 
been used as a place of safety from the Indians. 

Masonic Lodge. A Lodge of free and accepted masons was 
installed in this town, in the year 1804, by the name of " Rural 
Lodge." The society, at present, consists of about forty members. 

DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS. 

It becomes us with great propriety, to make mention of those dis- 
tinguished persons, who have either gone forth from this place, or in 
the course of their lives, been intimately connected with it. Beside 
those who have become peculiarly distinguished will be mentioned, 
all who have taken degrees in Universities or Colleges. 

Mr. Hancock! observes, that "since the foundation of Harvard Col- 
lege, scarce any town in the province hath reaped greater advantage 
from it than this; there having been graduated in it, if I mistake not, 
49 of the children of this people, and 42 of them out of this parish; 
many of whom have done worthily and been famous, both in Church 
and State." 

It is to be remembered, that at the time this was spoken, one hun- 
dred years only had elapsed since the University was founded. When 
this is considered, it may indeed appear surprising, that in a country 
rown, by no means numerous in its population, so many should have 
had the advantage of a liberal education. 

Following the alphabetical order, our enumeration commences with 
one who fled from persecution. 

Henry Adams, the progenitor of the Adams family in this country 
" He;{; took his flight from the Dragon persecution in Devonshire, 
England, and alighted with eight sons, near Mount Wollaston. One 
of the sons returned to England, and after taking time to explore the 
country, four removed to Medfield and the neighboring towns, two 
to Chelmsford, one only, Joseph, remained here, and was an origin- 
al proprietor in the township of Braintree." Joseph Adams had a 
son Joseph Adams, who was the father of John Adams, who was the 
father of John Adams the President. 

They were distinguished, as we learn from the epitaph of Henry 
Adams, " for their piety, humility, simplicity, prudence, patience, 
temperance, frugality, industry and perseverance." 

*0n the land of the late Anthony W. Baxter, is the spot of ground which was used 
hy the Indians for their burial-place. It lies near a thick swamp. ]See C. S. p. 33. 

JFrom an epitaph on the monument, raised by President Adams, senior, over hi*^ 



JoliQ Adams, sou ol" John Adams, senior, a respectable and valued 
ritizen of tliis place, born I'Jtli Oct. (old style,) 1735. His life was 
one of the most eventlul recorded in the annals of history, and his 
name will ever be remembered among the benefactors of his country, 
and among the glorious asserters of the rights of man. 

When quite young, he was not distinguished for an ardent love of 

^learning, to which he afterwards so severely applied himself. Study 

was rather an irksome task to him, and to those acquainted with his 

youthful spirit, books seemed l)ul. the fetters, of a mind, in coming 

years destined to work wonders in the cause of freedom. 

It has been most justly observed that man is, in a great measure, 
the creature of accidental circumstance, and never, perhaps, was 
this remark more clearly illustrated, than in the history of the early 
life of John Adams. 

To those who knew any thing of the last days of this great man, it 
is wholly unnecessary to mention how great were his conversational 
powers, and that to all who were so fortunate as to listen to him, the 
fund of anecdote, from which he drew for their instruction, no less 
than entertainment, was inexhaustible. It was his delight to speak 
of interesting incidents which had been connected with himself, not 
through vanity or ostentation, for these were not a part of his nature, 
but to bring conviction to the mind, that of much that was considered 
abstract truth, there were found sensible illustrations in common life. 
The following anecdote, related by him, even to the last days of his 
life, with all that good humor which was so characteristic of him, it 
is presumed, has not yet passed away from the minds of many, who 
have heard it from his own lips; a few only of his strong expressions 
are remembered. 

' When I was a boy, I had to study the Latin-grammar; but it 
was dull and I hated it. My father was anxious to send me to Col- 
lege, and therefore I studied the grammar till I could bear with it no 
longer; and going to my father, I told him I did not like study, and 
asked for some other employment. It was opposing his wishes, and 
he was quick in his answer. ' Well John,' said he, ' if Latin-gram- 
mar does not suit you, you may try ditching, perhaps that will; my 
meadow yonder needs a ditch, and you may put by Latin and try 
that.' 

' This seemed a delightful change, and to the meadow 1 went. — 
But I soon found ditching harder than Latin, and the first forenoon 
was the longest I ever experienced. That day I eat the bread of la- 
bor, and glad was I when night came on. That night I made some 
comparison between Latin-grammar and ditching, but said not a 
word about it. I dug the next forenoon, and wanted to return to 
Latin at dinner, but it was humiliating, and I could not do it. At 
night toil conquered pride, and I told my father, one of the severest 
trials of my life, that, if he chose, I would go back to Latin-grammar. 
He was glad of it; and if I have since gained any distinction, it has 
been owing to the two days labor in that abonunable ditch.' 

He was prepared for College in the school of Mr. Joseph Marsh, 
then a distinguished instructor in this place; and was graduated at 
Harvard University, in 1755. After leaving College, he kept a 
school in the town of W"orcester; studied law with Col. James Put- 



laui, ol the same place, and while engaged in this study, wrote his 
famous letter, so prophetical of the greatness of his country. 

In his profession he became early distinguished, and was appoinr- 
od Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He was foremost among 
that band of patriots, who laid the foundation of the Independence of 
our Country. His conduct in the cause of Preston, with his friend 
Josiah Quincy, jr. would, of itself, have made his fame enduring. — 
He was a member of the first Congress, in 1774, and was the bold 
adviser of the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen on the 
committee to draft that paper, and eloquently defended it. He was 
sent minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, the same to the 
United Provinces, and was many yea.'S the American Minister in 
France and England. In 1789, he was chosen Vice President of 
the U. S. and in 1797 was chosen President. 

In 1817 he was chosen one of the electors for the choice of Presi- 
dent. In 18'20, he was sent,*by his native town, to the Convention 
for the purpose of amending the Constitution. 

He was elected President of the American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences; had been a member of various other societies, filled the 
most important stations in the gift of the people, and received the 
highest honors from our Universities and Colleges. 

The latter part of his life was spent in private retirement. As au 
orator, he was one of the most powerful his country ever beheld. It 
was the remark of Thomas Jefferson, that on the subject of the In- 
dependence of the Colonies, John Adams, by his eloquence, "moved 
us from our seats." In learning, he was profound, and in religious 
knowledge, surpassed the Theologians of his age. He died* at (S 
o'clock, P. M. on the 4th of July, 182G, in the XCl. year of his 

Jedidiah Adams, was graduated at Harvard University, 1733, and 
was, for many years, the worthy minister of a Church in Stoughton, 
where he was settled in 1745. 

Zabdiel Adams, born oth Nov. 1739. His father was uncle of 
John Adams, President of the United States. He was one of the 
students of Mr. Joseph Marsh, was graduated at Harvard Univer- 
sity in 17.59, and ordained minister of Lunenburgh, on the 5th Sept. 
1764. He continued many years an eminent minister of the Gospel, 
and died 1st March, 1801, aged 62. 
John Quincy Adams,! son of John Adams, was graduated at Harvard 

*The remarkable circumstance of his death, as Avell as that of his copatriot an«l 
friend. Thomas Jefferson, on the same day, are too well known to need further remark. 
It may be worth while to mention, that previous to the fourth of July, he had been 
soUcited to give a sentiment for his fellow townsmen at that day's celebration. " I 
will give," said he, " Independence forever." On being asked ii' he would add any- 
thing, he answered, " not a syllable." This sentiment was drunk amidst the united 
acclamations of his fellow townsmen, perhaps at the very moment when " his spirit- 
was returning to God who gave it." 

f Seven cities once contended for the birth place of Homer. Two towns have al- 
ready contended for the birth place of the honorable gentleman above named. The 
matter is, at present, very clearly understood ; but lest, hereafter, any doubts should 
arise on the subject, which seem likely enough to arise, I shall insert a letter, written 
by the late Hon. John Adams to the Rev. Peter Whitney, at a time when the point 
was undetermined. As to a quibble on the word Braintree, our friends of the old town 
will never descend to it. 

"Dfap Stp, — John Quincy Adams was bom m Braintree, now called Quincy, in 



34 

t'mversity, in 178"/, and appointed Protessoi of Riiciuiu; uiiU Ora- 
tory, in tlie same Institution in 1806. He was sent minister to sever- 
al of the Courts of Europe, filled other important offices in the Gov- 
ernment, was made Secretary of State by President Monroe, in 1817, 
and is now President of the United States. 

Charles Adams, son of John Adams, was graduated at Harvard 
University, in 1789, engaged in the study and practice of law, in N. 
York, and shortly after died there. 

Thomas Boyiston Adams, son of John Adams, was graduated at 
Harvard University, in 1790, entered upon the practice of law, and 
was appointed Chief Justice for the Southern Circuit of the Court of 
Common Pleas. 

George Washington Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, was grad- 
uat('d at Harvard University in 1821, engaged in the study and prac- 
tice of law, in Boston, and was chosen Representative to the General 
Court, from thtit city, in IS^G. - • 

Charles Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, was graduated at 
Harvard University, in 1825, now engaged in the study of Law in 
Washington. 

Benjamin Beale, sonofCapt. Benjamin Beale, was graduated at 
Harvard University, in 1787, now a resident in France. 

Gregory Baxter was graduated at Harvard University, in 1725. 

John Bass was graduated at Harvard University in 1737. He 
was a man of great mathematical genius. 

Lemuel Bryant was graduated at Harvard University, 1739,- was 
ordained the sixth minister* of Braintree first Church, 4th Dec. 1749, 
and dismissed, Oct. 22, 1753. 

John Lindall Borland was graduated at Harvard University in 1772. 

Francis Borland was graduated at Harvard University in 1774. 

Ebenezer Brackett, son of James Brackett, born in 1773, was 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1791, entered upon the practice 
of medicine in this place, and died here a few months after com- 
mencing his practice. He was a young man of great promise. 

William Coddington, a distinguished person from Lincolnshire, 
England. He was engaged with others in the first settlement oi this 
town; afterwards he became Governor of Rhode Island, and died in 
1678, aged 78. 

Joseph Cleverly, was graduated at Harvard University in 1733; 
for many years employed as a reader of the Church service, in the 

the yei)r 1767, in the white-house, near the foot of Penn's hill, which you, sir, once 
inhabited. I had been attending; Plymouth Court the whole week, under the greatest 
anxiety. Returning on Saturday afternoon from Plymouth, I met Dr. Tufts on Hing- 
hani Plain, between Dr. Shute's house and Mr. Cushing's tavern, who informed me 
that I had a son. He must, tlierefore, have been born Thursday or Fiiday. Tlie 
next morning I carried him out to be baptized by Mr. Smith, of Weymouth, his grand- 
father. His great-grand-father, John Quincy, was then dying. His daughter, the 
child's grand-mother, requested me to call him John Quincy. 

These minute details are not worth remembering, but as there seems to be a curiosity 
i>n the subject, you now have the truth. 

Most respectfully, 
Rev. Peter Whitney. John Adams." 

Quincy, 2d March, 1825. 

*For more particular account of Congregational ministers, see account of that So" 
<-ietv. 



Episcopal Church, in this place. He died 16th March, 1802, aged 
89. *" The simple monument of his name, his age and services is 
erected in the Episcopal Church-yard near the sanctuary, where he 
so long and faithfully presided." 

Joseph Crosby was graduated at Harvard University in 1772; for 
some time a preacher of the Gospel, but never settled. 

Ebenezer Crosby was graduated at Harvard University in 1777; 
practised medicine in New York, and became a Professor of medi- 
cine in a College in that State. 

William Clark, was graduated at Harvard University, in 1759, for 
many years minister of an Episcopal Church in Dedham, and em- 
ployed also in supplying the church in this place. He died 4th Nov. 
1815^ aged 75 years, and lies buried in their church yard.f 

Arthur St Clair, one of the distin uished Generals of the Revolu- 
tion, a resident| here in 171)3. 

Richard Crunch was born in Kingsbridge, England, in October, 
1726. His parents were Puritans. He came to Boston at the age 
of nineteen. In 1750, he left that place on account ot" the preva- 
lence of the small-po.x, and came out to what was then called the 
North Precinct of the town of Braintree, afterwards he removed to 
Weymouth, there married the daughter of Rev. William Smith, an«i 
soon returned to this place, where, with the exception of a few years, 
he spent the rest of his days. 

He was a man of a strong and comprehensive mind. He was deep- 
ly read in almost every science, a great Theologian, and above all 
distinguished for the piety and purity of his life. He was repeatedly- 
chosen a Representative to the General Assembly of the State, and 
several times a Senator. He was appointed judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas, for Sufiolk, and retained that oftice 'till the division 
of the county. 

In 1780, he received an honorary degree of Master of Arts, from 
the University in Cambridge. He was also elected a member ofthe 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 

His own deathj and that of his excellent and amiable consort were 
not a little peculiar. §"It had been his earnest desire that he might 
not survive the death of his wife; and hers, that she might live to be- 

*Report on the subject of Pews. 

jThe following Latin inscription is carved on Iiis stone. 

Inmeraoriam Reverenrli ftuliemus Clark, cujus cineressub hoclapide sunt depositi 
Glim quibusdain annis apud Dedham minister Episcoi)alis, ct pro annis pluribus ab 
officio eacerdoti per corporis infirmitates exclusus. Molestias varias et dolores per vitam 
sustinuit Providenti* divirja; submissus, et in spe ad vitam etcrnam resurrectionis 
beat*, obiit Nov. die IV. A. D. MDCCCXV, setatis suae LXXV. 

Abi viator, Disce vivere, disce pati, disce mori. In Chhsto mea vita latet, mea 
»ioria Christus, et illius tandem potentia omnipotent! resurgam. 

For the benefit ofthe Engli-:h reader, I have made the following translation. Sa- 
cred to the memory of the Rev. William Clark, whose ashes repose beneath this 
stone, formerly for some years an Episcopalian minister in Dedham, and by bodily 
infirmities, for a long time taken off from his ministerial duties. His various mala- 
dies and sufferings he endurerl in pious submission to divine Providence, and died 
in hope of a resurrection to a happy immortality, 5th Nov. 1815, aged 95. Go stran- 
ger, learn to live, to suffer and to die. My life is hid in Christ. He is my glory, 
and by his omnipotent power I shall awake. 

JHe lived in the house then belonging to the Apthorp family, now the property of 
madam Hannah Miller. 

6See Whitney's sermon, at the interment of Richard Cranch and wife, p. 15 

tofa 



hold her dearest friend gathered in peace to the dust of his fatiiers."' 
Richard Crauch died 16th of October, 1811; Mary C ranch, his wife, 
died 17th Oct. 1811; and were both buried on the same day. 

WiUiam Cranch, son of Richard Cranch, was graduated at Har- 
vard University, in 1787. After leaving college he read law with 
Judge Dawes, of Boston; opened an office in this town, but remain- 
ed only a few months; afterwards he opened an office in Haverhill, 
where he continued till 1794. He was then sworn into the Supreme 
Judicial Court, removed to Washington, and on the last day of the 
administration of President Adams, was admitted as a justice of the 
District Court of Columbia. On the death of the Chief Justice of 
that Court he was appointed to fill the vacant office. He is also vice 
President of the Columbian Institute. 

Benjamin Clark Cutler, was graduated at Brown University, in 
ISa, now minister of the Episcopal Church in this town. 

Henry Flynt, one of the first ministers of the Congregational 
Church in this place. 

Moses Fiske, was graduated at Harvard University, in 1662, the 
third minister of the Congregational Church in this piace. 

Josiah Flynt, son of Henry Flynt, minister of this place, was grad- 
uated at Harvard University, in 1664, and afterwards ordained min- 
ister of Dorchester. 

Henry Flynt, son of Mr. Josiah Flynt, minister of Dorchester, and 
grand-son of Henry Flynt, of this place, was graduated at Harvard 
University, in 1693, and Tutor and Fellow in the same for fifty 
years. He resided here many years before his death. 

Thomas Greenleaf, was graduated at Harvard University, in 1784, 
entered upon the study and practice of law; was for many years Re- 
presentative to the General Court, from this town, and in the course 
of the administration of his excellency John Brooks, appointed a 
counsellor. 

Thomas Greenleaf, jr. was graduated at Harvard University, in 
1806, and for many years engaged in the practice of law in this 
place. He died !29th Sept. 1817, aged 29 years. 

John Hancock, son of Rev. John Hancock, of Lexington, was the 
fifth minister of the Congregational Society in this place, and grad- 
uated at Harvard University, in 1719. 

John Hancock, son of Rev. John Hancock of this place, was born 
in January, 1736, and graduated at Harvard University, in 1754. 
On the death of his uncle, Thomas Hancock, Esq. he inherited a 
considerable fortune and became an eminent merchant. In 1776, 
he was chosen a member of the House of Representatives, for Bos- 
ton. He was a member of the first Congress, in 1774, and in May 
'75, in the second congress, was chosen President in the place of 
Peyton Randolph, who was obliged to return home. As President 
of Congress, he was first to put his name to the ever memorable De- 
claration of our Independence. On the 12th of June, 1775, General 
Gage issued a Proclamation, promising pardon to all the rebels, ex- 
cept Samuel Adams and John Hancock, *" whose offences," are de- 
clared to be " of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consid- 
eration than condign punishment," 

*Spe Allen's Biography, p. 327 



He leH Congress on ctccouiit of his ill health, m Or.t. 1777. VVbeji 
the present Constitution of Massachusetts was adopted, he was cho- 
sen first Governor in 1780, and continued in that otncc; till he resign- 
ed in '85. In 1787, he was again chosen to the sanrie office, where 
he remained till his death, Oct. 8, 17 9.'3, aged fifty-six years. 

His administration was peculiarly popular. He addressed the 
legislative assembly with a power of eloquence soldi m equalled. 
His conduct as President of Ccuigress, was dignified and impartial. 
His fortune enabled him to be generouji and cha'itable. He was a 
distingui.-^hed benefactor of Harvard University, and died as he had 
lived, beloved for his virtues and respected ior his independent and 
honorable cond ict. 

Leonard H»ar, was graduated at Harvard University, in 1650. 
chosen President of the same in 167'i, and died* here Nov. '28, 1676, 
aged 45. 

William Hope was born in this place. His inother''s name was 
Wiliard. His parents were both lost at sea. f" At the age of seven- 
teen, he went to London, and from thence to \msterdam, where he 
became the greatest merchant and banker ever known before or 
since. In the war which ended in 1763, he was the agent and liank- 
er of the British Government. All the millions of money for the pay 
and subsistence of the army of Prince Ferdinand, passed through 
his hands. Such were the magnitude of his concerns, the grandeui 
and magnificence of his style of living, and the integrity of his char- 
acter, that he was visited and respected by Kings and Princes, Dukes 
and Lords, who made journeys on purpose to see and pay their res- 
pects to him." 

Jo!«eph Marsh, fourth minister of the Congregational Society in 
this town, was graduated at Harvard University, in 1705. 

Ebenezer Miller, first minister of the Episcopal Church in this 
town, was graduated at Harvard University, in 17'2'2. 

Jonathan Mills was graduated at Harvard University in 17'23, af- 
terwards a settled minister in Ware and other places. 

John Marsh was graduated at Harvard University, in 1726. 

Joseph Marsh, son of Rev. Joseph Marsh, born in 17 10, was grad- 
uated at Harvard University, in 1728, and, for many years, was 
master of a Latin School in this place. 

William Montague, at ditierent periods between the years 1790 
and 1800, a preacher in the Episcopal Church in this place. 

Edward Miller was graduated at Harvard University in 1313; 

On hifi monumeiil, in our grave yard, is the following curious inscription- 
Three precious fiiemls under this tomb-stone lie. 
Patterns to aged, youth and infancy. 
A great mother, her learned son, with child, 
The first and least went free, he was e.xil'd. 
In love to Christ, this country, and dear friends, 
He left his own, cross'd seas, and for amends 
Was here extoll'd, envyed all in a breath. 
His noble consort leaves, is drawn to death. 
Strange changes may befall us ere we die. 
Blest they who well arrive Eternity. 
God grant some names, O thou New England's Friend, 
Don't sooner fade than thine if times don't mend. 
His aged and pious relict, the late Madam Usher, was buried in the same tomt), 
May 30, 1723.— See Hancock's C. S. p. 25, note. 

fSee Recollections of a Bostonian, published a f»:w vpnr< ;io-o in the Boston Centi- 
«ieK written by .John Marston, Esq. of this place. 



entered upon the practice of law in this town, and was atterwards 
sent Representative to tlie General Court of the State. 

Jonathan Neal,* was graduated at Harvard University, in 1724. 

Samuel Nightingale, was graduated at Harvard University, in 
1734; was a Judge of one of the Courts of Rhode-Island, and Lieut- 
enant Governor of that State. 

Joseph Pearse Palmer, was graduated at Harvard University, in 
1771. 

Thomas Phipps was graduated at Harvard University, in 1757. 
He entered upon the practice of medicine in this place in the year 
1768, and continued an eminent physician till his death, 4th Nov. 
1817; He died aged 8.5. 

Thomas Phipps, son of Thomas Phipps, the successor of his father 
in the practice of physic in this place. 

Edmund Quincy| came from England with the Rev. John Cotton, 
flying from civil and religious persecution, in the reign of Charles I. 
and arrived at Boston, Sept. 1633. He was elected in May, 1634, 
one of the first Representatives of Bo.ston to the first General Court 
held in the province. He received a grant ol land in this place, in 
1635, and died soon after, aged 3-3. 

Edmund Quincy, son of Edmund Quincy, was born in England, in 
1627. He inherited and settled on his father's estate, at Mount 
Wollaston. He was a magistrate of the county, and Lieut. Colonel 
of the Suffolk regiment. He died in 1697, having had two sons. 
Daniel and Edmund. 

He was appointed by the Court, about the year 1690, on a com- 
mittee for substantiating the charges against Sir Edmund Andros. — 
His son Daniel died before his father, leaving one son John. 

John Quincy was born in 1689, was graduated at Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1708, and was one of the greatest public characters of that 
period. He held the office of Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives, longer than any other person during the charter of William and 
Mary, and was Representative from Braintree, and member of the 
Executive Council of the Province forty successive years. 

Edmund Quincy, the youngest son of Edmund Quincy, was born 
in Braintree, Oct. 1681; was graduated at Harvard University in 
1699, and entered early into public life as representative of his na- 
tive town, and afterwards as member of the Executive Council. He 
held the commission of Judge of the Supreme Court of the Colony, 
from the year 1718 to his death. He was appointed by the General 
Court of Massachusetts, their agent at the Court of Great-Britain, 
to settle a controversy between the Province of Massachusetts Bay 
and that of New Hampshire, relative to their respective boundary 
Hnes. In Dec. 1737, he emi)arked for England on that mission. — 
He died in London soon after his arrival, of the small-pox, Feb. 23, 
1738. Beside a donation of one thousand acres of land to his heirs, 
in the Town of Lenox, in the county of Berkshire, the Colony caus- 

*This man was the great uncle of Mr. Joseph Bass, and as he thinks was once a 
preacher, but is not certain. The Neals were great landholdei-s in this town many 
years ago. They owned all the land to a considerable extent both sides of the road 
from Mr. Boylston Adams' house to the brook towards Milton. 

t This account of the Quincy family, I have taken chiefly from the " Life of Tosia!) 
Quincy, jun." by his son Josiah Quincy. 



■y.) 

ed a muiiument to be eiucied over his grave, in Bunhill Fields,^ Lon- 
don, at their expense. 

Edmund Quincy, son of Edmund Quincy who died in London, 
was born in Braintree in 1703, was graduated at Harvard University 
in 172*2. He was many years a merchant in Boston, afterwards re- 
sided on his paternal estate in Braintree,t was author of a • Treatise 
on Hemp Husbandry," published in 1765, and died an active magis- 
trate of the county of Sutfolk, in July 1788, aged 85. 

Josiah Quincy, youngest son of Edmund Quincy, who died in Lon- 
don, was born in B.aintree,in 1709; was graduated at Harvard Lni- 
versity, in 1728, and entered int<i business as a merchant in Bo,ston. 
In 1737, he accompanied his father to England, passed several years 
in Europe, at different periods of his life, and tinally returned to 
America, in 1749. He was appointed, in 1755, by Gov. Shirley, 
joint commissioner with Thomas Pownall, afterwards Gov. Pownall, 
to negotiate with the Colonies of Pennsylvania and New York, for 
assistance in erecting a frontier barrier against the French, at Ti- 
conderoga. He retired from business in 1756, and resided in Brain- 
tree on a portion of his paternal-estate, until his death, in 1784. 

Edmund Quincy, eldest son of Josiah Quincy, was born in Brain- 
tree, Oct. 1733; was graduated "at Harvard University in 175'2; en- 
tered into business as a merchant in Boston, and visited England in 
1760 and 1763. He was a zealous whig, and a political writer of 
that period, and, had his life been spared, he would, probably, have 

*The following is the epitaph inscribed on his monument : 

Edmuoili Quincy armigeri, patiia Nov — Angli Massachusettensis, viri, pietate, 
prudentia ct bonis literis spectati, hie depositae sunt reliquiae. 

Qui vatii' ab ineunte Ktate Muneribus in Re tarn civili, quam militari a suis sibi 
commissis, (iiis prssertim Rc^i a conciliis — Curiai Supremae Judicatoriie Justiciarii et 
Militum T:ibuni,) summa Jacultate et spectata Ude functus, Laudem merito adeptus 
est. 

Re Patria; suae publica postulante ad .\ulam Biitaunicani legatus est profectus ul 
Jura suorum et conimoda procuraret. 

Variolis arreptus — morte praeniatura obiit, et cum eo emohimenta, qua; in ejus le- 
gatione, sunnna cmn spe reposita erant omnibus suis popularibus penitus desiderabilis, 
decessit, at nullis ma^s quaru Patrio Senatui qui in airioris testimonium et gratitudinis. 
i^jus Tumulo hoc epitaphium in-cribi curaverunt. Obiit Londini, Feb. 23, 1737, setat 57. 

In Enghsh it ruu>4 thus : Flere arc deposited the remains of Edmund Quincy, Esq. 
native of the Massachusetts Bay, in New-England ; a gentleman of distinguished pi- 
ety, prudence and learning. 

Who early merited praise for discharging, with the greatest ability and approved 
Integrity, the various employmfuts, both in the civil and military affairs, that bis 
country entrusted him with. the-:e cipecially, as one of hi-; majesty's council — a Jus- 
tic* of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and Colonel of a regiment of foot. 

The public affairs of his country so requiring, he embarked their agent to the Cotirt 
of Great Britain, in order to secure their rights and privileges. 

Being seized with the small pox, he died a premature death, and with him the ad- 
vantages expected from his agency, with the greatest prospect of success ; he depart- 
ed the delight of his own people, but of none more than the Senate, who, as a testi- 
mony of their love and gratitude, have ordered this epitaph to be inscribed on his mon- 
ument. He died at London, Feb. 23, 1737, in the 57th year of his age. 

fOpposite the place of Daniel Grecnleaf, Esq. was once a beautiful cascade, built 
by Edmund Quincy. The land between the two hills, near the road, was somewhat 
excavated, which formed a pond, perhaps forty rods long, and ten wide. A dam was 
Tai.sed, on which bars were placed in the form of a grate, and through these the water 
was made to pass. Before it reached the stream below, it had formed itself into one 
entire slieet, which present*;d a very pk-asing appearance. " 1 have often heard the 
sound of this watei'-fall," save Mr. Wilson Marsh. " at the distance of a mile.'" 



t5« 

laken an active pari in the American Revolution. His health de- 
clining under a pulmonary complaint, he sailed to the West Indies, 
and died at sea, March, 1768, aged 35. 

Samuel Quincy, second son ol Josiah Quincy, was graduated at 
Harvard University in 1754; engaged in the study ot the law, and 
became eminent in that profession. He was appointed Solicitor 
General of the Province, under the Crown, and held that office until 
the revolution. Influenced by his otficial duties and connexions, his 
political course was opposed to that ot the other members of his fam- 
ily. He was appointed Attorney lor the Crown, in the Island of An- 
tigua, which office he held till his death, in 1789. 

Josiah Quincy, jun. the youngest son of Josiah Quincy, was born 
m Boston, Feb. 23, 1744; received his instruction preparatory to 
entering the University in the school of Mr. Joseph Marsh, in this 
town. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1763. He en- 
tered upon the study of law with Osenbridge Thatcher, Esq. of Bos- 
ton, and was afterwards eminent in the practice of it. He took a 
bold stand as a writer and an actor in the cause of freedrm. In the 
case of Preston, in the Boston massacre, he shared an iiTimortal lame 
with his co-patriot, John Adams. The labors of his profes.sirn wore 
upon his frame, and in Feb. 1773, he was obliged to leave home and 
take a voyage to the south. He returned, and in May, 1774, pub- 
lished " His observations on the Boston Port Bill." On the !iIOth 
Sept. 1774, he embarked, privately, at Salem, for England, in the 
cause of his country. Here he remained some time, and was re- 
turning home in 1775, with his heart and soul devoted to his country. 
That country he was never more permitted to reach. His heahh 
had been continually failing, and on the '26th of April, 1775, without 
hearing of the battle of Lexington, he died. 

The inhabitants of Gloucester paid funeral honors to his remains. 
lie was afterwards removed to this place, according to his wish, 
where a monument* was erected to his memory, and to that ot his 
wife, by his only surviving child, Josiah Quincy. 

He had lived for his country, and his last prayers were for its wel- 
fare. His name will be enrolled among those great spirits, who led 
the way in procuring the freedom of the civilized world. 

*0n one side of this monumeat is the following epitaph, written by John Quincy 
Adams: 

Sacred to the memory of Josiah Quincy, jun. of Boston, barrister at law. Brilliant 
talents, uncommon eloquence, and indefatigable application raided him to the highest 
eminence in his profession. His early, enlightened, inflexible attachment to the 
cause of his country is attested by monuments more durable than this, and transmitted 
to posterity by well known productions of his genius. He was born the 23d of Feb. 
1744, and died the 2t)th of April, 1775. His mortal remains are here deposited, with 
those of Abigail, his wife, daughter of William Phillips, Esq. of Boston. Born 14th 
April, 1715 ; died 25th March, 1798. 

Stranger! In contemplating this monument, the frail tribute of filial gratitude and 
affection — 

Glows thy bold breast with patriotic flame .' 

Let his example point the pat'.is of fame ; 

Or seeks thy heart, averse from public strife. 

The milder graces of domestic life ? 

Herkiniired virtues let thy soul revere, 

And o'er the best of mothers drop a tear. 
And on the other side is written, Josiah Quincy, jun. bom 23d Feb. 1744. died 26tl) 
April, 1775. And Abigail Quincy, his wife, bom 14th April, 1745, died 25th March, 
1798. To their united and beloved meraorv this monument is erected by their on) 
surviving child. 



Josiah ^umc)^, son of Josiah Quincy, jun. was graduated at Har- 
vard University, in 1790; for many years member ot Congress from 
Suffolk; member of the State Legislature, and Speaker of the House 
of Representatives; Judge of the Municipal Court in Boston, and 
'now Mayor of the City of Boston. 

Norton Quincy, son of John Quincy, was graduated at Harvaid 
University, in 1736, and died here, Sept. ii3d, 1801, aged 8-3. 

Josiah Quincy, jun. son of Josiah Quincy, was graduated at Har- 
vard University in 1821, and now in the practice of law in Boston. 
He IS one of the aids of Governor Lincoln, witl» the rank of Lieuten- 
ant Colonel. 

Grindall Rawson was graduated at Harvard University in 1678; 
afterwards Secretary of State. 

Edward Stedman, formerly a physician in this place. 

Samuel Spear was graduated at Harvard University in 1714; af- 
terwards a settled minister. 

Elisha Savil was graduated at Harvard University in 17 13; prac- 
tised physic in this place, and died 17H8. 

William Thompson, first minister of the Congregational Society, iu 
this town. From him is supposed to have descended Benj. Thomp- 
son, Count Rumford. 

Henrv Turner,* for many years a respectable physician in thi(« 
place. 'He died Jan. 21, 1773, aged 84. 

Jtihn Tilestoii, for many years master of the North Writing school, 
in B jston. He was born 31st Dec. 1734, and was a school-mate of 
President Adams, senior, who ever retained a respectful remem- 
brance of him. Upwards of seventy years of his life were devoted to 
the instruction of youth. His salary was ontinued to him to the day 
of his death, though he retired from his dutie^ as a school-master, at 
the age of 8d. He was remarkable for his modesty, industry and 
moral excellence. *' Though not a great man, he was a very useful 
one, and deserves to be remembered among the worthies of his coun- 
try." He died 13th Oct. 1826, aged 92.j 

Royall Tyler, a native of Boston, though many years a resident 
here. He was graduated at Harvard Univer.^ity in 1776. " He com- 
menced his public life as Aid de Camp to Gen. Lincoln, who comr 
manded the army that suppressed the rebellion of Shays, in 1786 — 7, 
During that campaign, Mr. Tyler wis charged l)y Gen. Lincoln with 
a special mission to the (rovernment of Vermont. About 1790, he 
removed to Vermont, and there became a distinguished lawyer. He 
was assistant Judge of the Supreme Court six years, and Chief Jus- 
tice of the same Court six more. He was a man of genius, a poei, 
an orator, a civilian, an erudite and accomplished scholar, and a gen- 
tleman of elegant and endearing manners." He died 16th Auf. 
18 26, aged 66. ° 

Lewis Vassal, son of a Major Vassal,J who came over to this coun- 

'Dr. Turner lived in the house of Mr. Benjamin Gay, and kept a tavern there for 
some time. Thi^ fort had not come to my knowledge when tlie Ust of taverns was 
printed on page 46. TTiis must, therefore, be added, to muke tliat list complete. 

fSee notice of his life in Boston Centioel, 14tb Oct. 1826. 

|Major Vassal, who, I suppose, was the son of William Vassal, mentioned in Eliof* 
Biography, lived in the house of President Adams, and died there. Lewi.-, his son. 
lived in the house of Mr. John Greenleaf. ^nd lies buried in the Episcopal rhurch-vnrd, 
with his wife bv hi?! siHp. 



try Iroiii tlie West indies. Lewis Vassal was graduated at Harvard 
University in 1728; spent his life in this place, and died Sept. 15, 
1743, aged 34. 

John Vassal, son of Major Vassal, was graduated at Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1732, and became a merchant in Boston. 

William Vassal, son of Major Vassal, was graduated at Harvard 
University in 1733; was afterwards High Sheriff, for the county of 
Middlesex.* 

John Vassal was graduated at Harvard University in 1757. 

Lewis Vassal was graduated at Harvard University in 1760. 

Benjamin Vinton was graduated at Harvard University in 1796, 
and was, for many years, a respectable physician in this town. 

John Wilson, born in England, was graduated at Harvard Univer- 
sity in 1705, and afterwards a physician in this place. 

John Webb was graduated at Harvard University in 1708; settled 
in Boston at the New North Church, in 1714, died in 1750, aged 
<53. He was a man of considerable influence for his time. 

Nathan Webb was graduated at Harvard University in 1715, after- 
wards a settled minister. 

Anthony Wibird, seventh minister of the Congregational Society 
in this place,' was graduated at Harvard University in 1747. 

Edward Winslow, for several years minister of the Epis. Church 
m this town. 

Peter Whitney, eighth minister of the Congregational Society, was 
graduated at Harvard University in 1791. 

Ebenezer Woodward, a practising physician in this place, was grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in 1817. 

George Whitney was graduated at Harvard University in 1 824.1 

It has been remarked that no single portion of our country, of so 
small an extent, has afforded so many distinguished men to adorn the 
annals of our history, as the Town of Quincy. In the hour of need, 
when ' men's souls were tried,' John Adams and Hancock and Quin- 
cy and Samuel Adams, whose ancestors were from here, were the 
champions of our liberty; and in after times, two Presidents of the 
nation were called hence, by the voice of the people. Since then it 
be true, that no condition, however humble, if adorned by a virtuous 
and enlightened mind, can prove an obstacle to individual eminence, 
how are we excited by those who have gone before us, to lay broad 
and deep the foundations of knowledge and virtue, that so others may 
continue to go forth from among us, to be the ornaments and pride 
of our land. 

*Mr. Wilson Marsh tells me, that he was once present at the execution of a man in 
Cambridge, which, he thinks, was under the superintendance of High Sheriff, WilHam 
Vassal. 

John and Lewis, the younger Vassals here mentioned, were probably sons, either of 
the merchant or the sheriff. 

fit is possible, after all the pains I have taken, that some who have graduated may 
not have been mentioned. If so, 1 hope any other cause may be found for the oroi'^- 
«if'n, than intentional nesflect, 



APPENDIX. 

On Monday, J uue lltli, 1827, the corner stone of the " Adanis 
Temple," so called, for the use of the Congregational Society, in 
this place, was laid with proper solemnities. A prayer was offered 
by the Rev. Peter Whitney, Pastor of the Church; after which he 
commenced the following Address: 

'* My Christian Friends, — In conformity to the wishes of that great 
benefactor ot us and of our country, the late President Adams, we are now 
erecting a temple for the worship of that incomprehensible Being, whom the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain. The foundation is already completed : 
and having addressed our prayer to the holy Majesty of the universe for his 
blessing upon our undertaking, we now proceed to deposit, beneath this 
corner stone a silver plate, on which is engraved the inscription, which will 
be read by the Chaiiman of the Commitlee." 

The Hon. Thomas Greenleaf, Chairman of the building commit- 
tee, then read the inscription on the plate, to be deposited in a lead 
box, together with the several deeds of land, presented to the town 
by the late President Adams. The following is the inscription: 

" A temple for the public worship of God ; and for public instruction in the 
doctrines and duties of the Christian religion. Erected by the Congrega- 
tional Society in the Town of Quincy ; the stone taken from the granite 
quarries, given to the town by the Hon. John Adams, late President of the 
United States. 

This stone was laid June 11th, 1827, in the fifty-first year of American Inde 

pendence. 

The Rev. Peter Whitney, Pastor of the Society. 

John Q,uincy Adams, President of the United States. 

'^evi Lincoln, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth ot 

Massachusetts. 

John Whitney, Daniel Spear, John Souther, 

Selectmen of the Town of Quincy. 

Building Committee. — Thoma^ Greenleaf, Chairman, — Noah Curtis, John 

Souther, Lemuel Brackett, Daniel Spear, 

Alexander Parris, Architect. 

WiUiam Wood, Master Builder. 

Memoranda. 
The population of the town estimated at ■iOOO. 
That of the United States at 13,000,000. 
Engraved by Hazen Morse. 

Mr Greenleaf made some interesting remarks, connected with the 
history of the place, and deposited the box; after which the Address 
was concluded, as follows: 

"When ages after ages shall have passed away, when all, who are now liv- 
ing on earth, and successive generations for centuries to come, shall have 
finished their probation and gone to the unseen and eternal world, these wall.'- 



^r 



"/\- 



9 i9on 

04 

of granite, we are about to erect, will stand, we trust, amidst the revoluuous 
of time, a monument of the interest we felt for the worship of God, and for 
the accommodation of our successors on the stage of life, till the stones them- 
selves, of which it is to be coBstructed, shall be crumbling into dust. 

"la this temple, when completed, may the truth, as it is in Jesus, be preach- 
ed in all its purity and simplicity. Here also may the prayers of devout and 
humble souls ascend with acceptance to the throne of everlasting mercy. — 
Here may affliction, in all its forms and degrees, find consolation and support 
under the weight of suffering. Here may sin be forever denounced, and the 
sinner encouraged to repent and live. And here may that faith, which looke 
beyond things seen and temporal, to those that are unseen and eternal ; which 
directs the aspirations of the soul to the presence and enjoyment of (}ou in 
heaven, be animated and strengthened and confiimed. And here may many 
souls be trained up to join the spirits ot the just made perfect in the devotions 
of a temple not made w^ith hands, eternal in the heavens. 

"In looking forward to the period, when another temple shall rise upon the 
'•uins of this, we are naturally led to reflect upon what will then be the state 
of society here ; how vastly improved ! how far surpassing us in intellectual 
and moral e.xcellence, will be the generation then existing ! Our hearts re - 
joice in the contemplation of the increasing virtue and wisdom of the world : 
and we would offer our prayers to God, that we may so finish our course on 
earth, as to enter on our immortal destiny with qualifications for ceaseless 
progress ; that, however improved our desct ndants may be. when these walls 
shall sink beneath the desolations of time, ive may have reached a measure 
of improvement in that better world above, beyond what they shall h'jve at- 
tained under all the advantages with which they may be favored. And with 
the numerous multitudes, who shall here be formed for glory and immortal- 
ity, may we finally unite in ascribing thanksgiving and blessing, dominion 
^'nd power, unto Him, who sittetli on the throne forever and ever.'* 



t- 



.aSmUL. 



